Establishment of the Study Group for International Development of the Water Business

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will establish the Study Group for International Development of the Water Business in September. The aim of the study group will be to discuss issues essential for internationally expanding the Japanese water business, including analysis of the current situation, identification of challenges, and the search for specific solutions to them.

1. Goal
The world is facing serious problems associated with water, including water shortages and contamination arising from the recent worldwide growth in population and the global expansion of economic activities. To address the situation, METI will organize the Study Group for International Development of the Water Business to assess and analyze needs in the global water market, identify challenges for the international development of the Japanese water business, and discuss measures that should be taken to resolve them.

2. Study group activities
- Assessment of needs in the global water market
- Identification of challenges to be solved before Japan internationally expands its water business
- Selection of fields and regions to which Japan should give higher priority
- Identification of promising projects, execution of feasibility studies (F/S), and discussion on necessary measures

3. Schedule of activities
The first meeting will be convened by the end of September, followed by subsequent meetings with a view to compiling a report by March 2010. Working groups may be established under the study group as needed.

4. Members
Chair: Hiroyuki Itami, Graduate School of the Tokyo University of Science
Members: More than ten people expected from local governments, trading firms, engineering companies, equipment manufacturers, and related agencies (NEXI, JBIC, JICA, etc.)

Release Date

August 11, 2009

Division in Charge

Water Industry and Infrastructure Systems Promotion Office, Manufacturing Industries Bureau

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