More than 600 Chinese and foreign experts gathered here Tuesday to explore strategies for urban wastewater treatment and reuse, and seek better ways to improve China's water environment.

   They will share their technologies and experience in the planning of water resources and urban wastewater treatment and reuse at the 21st Century International Conference and Exhibition on Developing Strategy for Urban Waste Water Treatment and Reuse.

   The event, which opened in Beijing's International Conference Center Tuesday, is jointly sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Construction, the World Bank, and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

   Chief Planner Chen Xiaoli of the Ministry of Construction addressed the opening ceremony and said the water shortage in many countries and regions now threatens human life.

   Water problems have become a global issue that is vital for human beings to have sustainable development. This explains why all countries and regions choose to save water, control water pollution and dispose of wastewater for reuse, Chen said.

   She added that with rapid industrialization and urbanization in China, the amount of water used in cities has increased rapidly, which has resulted in more waste and polluted water.

   Currently, China is formulating policies and regulations on urban wastewater treatment and reuse, and establishing financing, pricing and management mechanisms for urban wastewater disposal and recycling, said Chen. 

   Yukon Huang, country director of the World Bank for China, said the World Bank has established a very strong partnership with the Chinese government in water resource conservation, and supported China with an extensive portfolio of projects, analytical and advisory services, and technical assistance.

   Currently the World Bank is financing fifteen projects with significant urban wastewater components, and this portfolio covers about half of China's provinces, and involves an investment of  more than two billion U.S. dollars.

   Huang said China's demand for wastewater treatment and reuse services is high, and the World Bank will continue to strengthen communication and cooperation with the Chinese government.

   The total investment of the World Bank in urban wastewater treatment facilities in China is expected to top ten billion US dollars in five to ten years, he added.

   Sergio Miranda-da-Cruz, representative of the UNIDO to China, said the UNIDO is aware that China's water policies are an important part of the country's tenth five-year plan for 2001-2005.

   He said the UNIDO hopes that more foreign experts would join in China's efforts for the treatment and reuse of wastewater.

   More than 100 Chinese and foreign wastewater treatment businesses are attending the exhibition, displaying their latest products, technology and facilities for sewage disposal.