China’s efforts to improve its water industry via favourable water-related polices and increased funding put in place by the Chinese government for domestic projects have proved advantageous to Water Expo China 2015.

Water Expo China, one of the country’s most authoritative water business exhibitions, was successfully held from 18 – 20 November 2015 at the New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing. The new Chinese initiatives helped to attract a number of water technology specialists and professionals to explore, discuss and exchange ideas regarding the current and future development of China‘s booming water industry.

The exhibition was organised by the Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society (CHES) and Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd. Founded in 1931, CHES has become a significant force for China’s water resources science and technology development, with 86,000 individual members, 46 special commissions, 103 group members, and 36 local (provincial level) hydraulic engineering societies.

The Expo featured seven thematic zones to facilitate various sourcing needs. Returning zones included the Water Business, Country Pavilion and Brand Zone; Pipes and Pipelines, Pumps, Valves and Accessories Zone; Water Information, Automation and Apparatus Zone; National Water Park and Water Ecology Zone; and Shanghai Water Engineering Association Pavilion.

New additions to the 2015 edition were the Sponge City and Water Ecology Planning and Construction Zone, and Water Conservancy Development and Achievements Zone.

Mr Hu Siyi, President of the Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society, commented:

“Water Expo China is approved by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and has gradually positioned itself to be the preferred sourcing platform for innovative water-related products, technologies and solutions. “

“The 10th China International Water Business Summit, held on 19 November, was one of the most anticipated concurrent events at the fair. It offered attendees a better understanding of government policies affecting the industry and insights into the latest technologies. The summit also promoted closer cooperation and the sharing of high-level information among industry players from across the world. I am very pleased with the professional qualities of the event.”

Fair saw 20,411 visitors from 42 countries and regions

The 2015 fair attracted 328 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions as well as 20,411 visitors from 42 countries and regions. Among the visitors, 17,799 (87%) were domestic visitors and 2,612 (13%) were international visitors. Contributing to the visitor numbers were 56 overseas delegations from countries including Norway and Mozambique, domestic government agencies, and trade associations. Additionally, 1,866 participants attended the fair’s concurrent events.

Water Expo China is increasingly seen a key meeting point for exhibitors looking to expand their businesses both inside and outside of China. Some of the brands in attendance this year included Beijing Capital, Beijing Hanjian Heshan Pipeline, Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes, Xylem Analytics, Jinluo Water, Qingdao Sanli Group, Huber Environmental Technology, Yonggao and many others.

The fair also hosted country pavilions from Belgium, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland. Approximately 2,000 professional visitors from various government departments, trade associations and universities, including the Department of Water Resources of Shanxi Province, Beijing Municipal Engineering Research Institute, Hebei Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Shanghai Water Engineering Association, China Agricultural University, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and others attended the fair.

Huber Environmental Technology (Taicang) Co Ltd, was exhibiting for the first time at the show. Mr Niu Yingcheng, Regional Sales Supervisor, commented:

“Water Expo China is great for two primary reasons. Firstly, the fair is popular within both domestic and international markets and we were able to use its reputation to effectively promote our company. Secondly, it is a gathering point for people from different countries and regions with various industry backgrounds to network and share industry knowledge. The fair is an important marketing tool for our company and we look forward to future editions.”

Another first-time participant was Baden-Württemberg International GmbH (bw-i) who organised the German Pavilion which provided seven exhibitors with an important platform for promoting their products and strengthening their international brand images.

Sponge cities: a hot topic in China

First-time visitor Mr Wang Tao, Civil Architectural Design and Research Institute Water and Wastewater Engineer at Beijing Shougang International Engineering Technology Co Ltd, came specifically to visit the fair’s Sponge City and Water Ecology Planning and Construction Zone. He said:

“Sponge cities, though a relatively new concept for many, are one of the hottest industry topics in China and I was really impressed with the zone. The case study on the pilot cities Zhenjiang and Xixian New Area in Jiangsu and Shanxi Provinces, respectively, provided me inspirational insights into the future planning and design of sponge cities.”

High-level concurrent events, covering the most relevant issues to China’s water business development, also contributed to Water Expo China’s success.

Featuring the theme “Promoting water industry development and ensuring water safety”, the 10th China International Water Business Summit was one of the most anticipated and well-attended events held alongside the show. Reputable speakers, including Ms Gao Minfeng, Vice Director of Department of Planning and Programming, China’s Ministry of Water Resources; Mr Zhang Jianyun, Academician of the Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute; and Mr Wang Hao, Academician of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, provided invaluable knowledge surrounding the development of sponge cities and other key topics.

The “Water Innovation in China’s Apparel / Textile Supply Chain Forum” which was jointly organised by H&M and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), provided an in-depth look into China’s water environment policy and its impact on the textile industry. Mr Murphy Min of China Industrial Veolia said the forum had enabled a better understanding of the government’s policy on waste water treatment for textile manufacturers and textile industry giants’ initiatives to manage waste water. 

Waterbriefing is an official media partner with UWT China 2016, the international trade fair which covers urban water and wastewater treatment and takes place in Shanghai from 31 August to 2nd September 2016. Click here for more information.