A glimpse of environmental infrastructure and technological needs in China

The People`s Republic of China (China), the most populous country in the world, experienced incredible economic growth in the last five years. With the growth index of double-digit still being expected in the coming years, China faces tremendous pressure in energy and environmental pollution problems. At the invitation of the China`s National Environmental Agency (NEPA) and China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), an environmental technology delegation visited China in October 1994. During the tour, the delegation had opportunity to visit various environmental officials at both national and local levels to discuss environmental policies, energy and environmental requirements, and the overall quality-of-life issues. Discussion also included China`s air and water quality, pollution control, waste management, and environmental remediation opportunities. China realizes that prolonged energy and environmental problems are major obstacles for the country`s modernization and economic development. It also understands that improvement of China`s infrastructure and environmental qualities are important to attract more foreign investments. As a result, China is aggressively seeking assistance of foreign technologies, specially in alternate energy and environmental conservation areas. With enormous environmental challenges and energy needs in China, this is an auspicious moment to establish relationships with the Chinese government and its functional organizations.