A total of 10,239 visitors from 30 countries and regions attended Water Expo China 2009 to view the latest water industry technology at the Beijing Exhibition Centre from Nov. 18 to 20, 2009. This was a 26% increase in visitor numbers compared to the 2008 show.
There were 10,009 domestic visitors and 230 international visitors, representing an increase of 26% and 8%, respectively. In addition, the number of visitor countries and regions rose from 26 in 2008 to 30 in 2009, an increase of nearly 12%.
Water Expo China was sponsored by China’s Ministry of Water Resources and approved by the Ministry of Commerce. It was organized by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., and the Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society. Jiang Shu Shen, vice chairman of the National People’s Congress and Hu Si Yi, vice minister of the Ministry of Water Resources were among the guests at the official opening ceremony.
The show also attracted a record number of exhibitors: 252 from 18 countries and regions, covering six halls.
Jason Cao, general manager, Messe Frankfurt Shanghai Col, Ltd., said that China’s water business reform started in 2002. “As a result, there are numerous opportunities for domestic and international companies to assist China in its commitment to upgrading the water industry. What makes Water Expo China different from similar shows is that it provides a forum which brings together water industry players and key decision making government officials.”
This year, Water Expo China showcased seven industry sectors: water business, irrigation and drainage, water and soil conservation, information and instrumentation, water-related equipment and rainwater harvesting.
Exhibitors showing their most advanced technologies included Beijing Capital, Veolia, Sino-French, General Water, Duoyuan Clean Water Technology Industries, Laurel, GRUNDFOS and Anhui Guozhen Environmental Protection.
Groundwater specialists, Schlumberger Water Services from Canada were exhibiting at Water Expo China for the third year in succession.
“One of the Chinese government initiatives for 2009 and moving forward is a national groundwater monitoring network and they have chosen our technology to be the key one for that,” said Martin Draeger, marketing manager of Schlumberger Water Services. “This is as a result of being in China and through Water Expo China being more visible among the water resources groups, together with our local office presence. It’s a combination that allows us to meet all the right people. Water Expo China has been good for us and that’s why we will do it again next year. In China we have come to learn that it is all about building relationships and about being patient.”
