EU, China strengthen water security cooperation

The European Commission, China and several EU Member States on Thursday signed a Declaration in Turku to strengthen water cooperation between the EU and China.

The aim is to join forces to promote sustainable development and improve water security. China and the EU also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish dialogue on water policy, said a government press release.

"Finnish water expertise has a lot of demand in China, both in water protection and in the control of dam and flood risks. For example, our companies have sold equipment for the treatment of sewage sludge and monitoring dam safety. Joint efforts are also made to improve the state of Lake Taihu, the third largest lake in China. The work started by research in 2012 and now continues with practical measures as part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Water Resources of China. The lake is the source of drinking water for many large cities, including Shanghai. The Finnish model of public-private cooperation and successful practical experiences, such as the restoration of Lake Vesijärvi in Lahti and Lake Pyhäjärvi in Säkylä, serve as encouraging examples", said Minister for Housing, Energy and the Environment Kimmo Tiilikainen.

Water is in a key position in circular economy as well. This was one of the sectors on the agenda in the discussions on business opportunities in the Business Event for Chinese and European companies held in Turku in the afternoon.

There is also an extensive matchmaking event where more than 130 Chinese and European companies seek new cooperation opportunities.

The event is also the Annual High Level Dialogue Conference of the China-Europe Water Platform CEWP. The meetings and events have attracted almost 400 visitors from more than 20 countries. CEWP is a collaboration network of the European Union and China for the policy dialogue, research and business in the water sector.

The Minister of Water Resources of China Chen Lei, Minister of the Environment of Estonia Siim Kiisler, Minister for the Environment of Sweden Karolina Skog and Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Environment were also present.