Singapore is an example of how water scarcity has led to the development of sustainable water-technology in Asia. That’s why a Danish watertech-center has now open its doors in this tiny island nation to showcase what Denmark has to offer and to establish a foothold in fast-growing Asia.
On June 8, a Danish watertech showroom was opened by visiting Danish Minister of Environment, Kirsten Brosbøl, who said the timing was right for Denmark to explore business opportunities in Singapore, China and other Asian countries.
Singapore was chosen because the country is already an Asian regional hub for water technology.
“There is a big demand for the kind of technology that can clean wastewater, prevent flooding and predict rises in sea water in Asia. Therefore it is important that Danish companies with this expertise makes their presence felt in this part of the world. Other countries already have set eye on Singapore, because, like Denmark, they are skilled in water technology,” Kirsten Brosbøl said in a press release. In 2012 the Danish exports in water technology amounted to 15 billion kroner.
The Danish Water Technology House in Singapore was set up by the self-financed national center for water environment, Ferskvandscentret. According to the center, more than half a billion people in Asia still do not have access to clean drinking water while 90 per cent of all waste water in the region are still not being treated. These statistics indicate that there is a huge business potential for Danish watertech companies.
The Danish Minister of Environment believes it is also interesting to observe how Singapore is dealing with challenges associated with water scarcity and management.
“Even though we in Denmark are frontrunners in water technology, we can also learn things from Singapore. Their population lives in an area the size of Bornholm, so they obviously have valuable experience making the best of out of their very limited resources. At the same time, like us, they have positive results with regulation leading to new sustainable technology and growth,” Kirsten Grosbøl underlined.
Source: Berlingske.
