China keen to learn from Singapore's experience in water technologies

By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia
10 July 2007

China's Commerce Minister Bo Xilai said China is keen to learn more from Singapore on how to tackle the problem of water shortage.

He was speaking to reporters on Tuesday after touring the NEWater Visitor Centre in Tanah Merah.

The Chinese minister was given a detailed briefing on the original source of NEWater and what it means to Singapore.

Mr Bo, who was accompanied by Minister of State for National Development, Grace Fu, was taken through the various processes of producing NEWater.

And what better way to understand NEWater than to get a taste of it.

Mr Bo said: "It's good, I think. I think the taste of NEWater is very normal."

He described Singapore as an innovative country and said he knows how critical drinking water is to many cities in China.

Mr Bo said: "We are willing to learn from Singapore's experience in advanced water technologies. Singapore has been very successful in this area. Now, many people are discussing about the problem of oil shortage. But 10 years later, people will be discussing about the shortage of water.

"So clean water is important to many countries, especially China, which has a huge population. We are in need of clean water. So we're very willing to discuss and tap on your experience."

During his one-hour visit, the Chinese minister asked questions about the process, including the cost and how much NEWater is used for drinking here.

Mr Bo said he was deeply impressed with how Singapore has managed to tackle its water shortage problem.

He added that Singapore's experience and knowledge in water technology can be shared with many mayors in China. - CNA/ch