The 14th edition of Aquatech China 2021 was a winning mix of business, content and networking. As the world navigates the complexities of a global pandemic, Aquatech China retained an unprecedented high level of loyalty from Chinese visitors.
Growing opportunities in Chinese water market
As the world navigates the complexities of a global pandemic, Aquatech China retained an unprecedented high level of loyalty from Chinese visitors.
The 14th edition of Aquatech China 2021 was a winning mix of business, content and networking, attracting more than 80,000 visitors and 2,000+ exhibitors.
“The opportunities in China are growing constantly,” said Editha Hoogenberg, Exhibition Manager of Aquatech China.
"Investments are being made to ensure water quality is high on the agenda. Water challenges are connected with a growing sector that seeks innovations and solutions in China and abroad."
She continued: "Tradeshows play an important role in China, both in business and cultural, personal contact is highly valued and we look very much forward to an open world in 2022 when we proudly celebrate the 15th anniversary of Aquatech China."
"Water challenges are connected with a growing sector that seeks innovations and solutions in China and abroad. I am delighted with the results of Aquatech China 2021."
Industrial users inspire each other
Next to a packed show floor, an esteemed speaker line up was present at the 5th Industrial Water Leaders Forum, providing highly topical content combined with unique Chinese insight.
"The Industrial Water Leaders Forum analyzed the latest policies, discussed the strategic direction of water management, how digitalization helps to achieve sustainable development of efficient water management and water-carbon nexus."
The Industrial Water Leaders Forum (IWLF) brought together representatives from government, research institutes, water resource management companies, service providers as well as end users to share insights on the topic of ‘Water-Carbon Nexus for Sustainable Future’.
Amongst the IWLF keynotes were:
- Christopher Gasson – President, GWI
- James Rekoske – Industrial Segment, Ecolab
- Bai Yan – Associate researcher, China National Institute of Standardization
- Yuan Ling, Director – Water Conservation Division, Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization Dept, MIIT, Prc
- Wei Jiangbo – Environmental Water Treatment Product Development Manager, Shenhua Engineering Technology Co.
- Cang Yihua – General Manager of Environmental Protection and Water Affairs Department, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co.
This year’s Forum analyzed the latest policies, discussed the strategic direction of water management and addressed how digitalization helps to achieve sustainable development of efficient water management and water-carbon nexus.
The Forum was jointly hosted by Ecolab, Global Water Intelligence, Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), CHC Expo and Aquatech.
Special attention for Digitalisation of Water
After a run up of four online events, China Europe Water Platform (CEWP) co-organised two hybrid seminars: ‘Digitalisation in the Water Sector’ and ‘Circular Economy and the Water Sector’. Speakers included field experts, utilities, governmental organisations and related companies.
“Even though the utilization of digital technology has increased in the water sector, it is still behind other industries with regard to integrating new smart technologies and digital transformations,” said Henrik Dissing, International Portfolio Manager, Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark.
The seminar ‘Circular Economy and the Water Sector’ focused on identifying the link of Circular Economy and the Water Sector in China and to further discuss the opportunities that the market offers and how to access the market.
"Even though the utilization of digital technology has increased in the water sector, it is still behind other industries with regard to integrating new smart technologies and digital transformations."
“More than 300 experts from 20 countries attended the online webinars, which were professionally managed by Aquatech. The webinars gave insight to already existing solutions and framework conditions were improved in order to strengthen market functioning and market uptake of high-end solutions”, added Dissing.
Navigating the pandemic
In light of the pandemic, the Chinese government implemented some of the strictest prevention and control measures in history.
In response to these measures, Shanghai launched the first-level mechanism for major public health emergencies. As a result, organisers could proceed with the show as they already did in 2020 when regulations were even stricter. Every precaution was taken to organise a safe, responsible and hospitable show.
Hoogenberg added: “We are very happy and proud that many international brands again wished to be present through their local partners and/or offices. We even had companies that managed to organise their stands from outside China and we are very excited about the optimism when talking about next year, especially since we will celebrate our 15th anniversary.”
- The 15th anniversary edition of Aquatech China is scheduled for 8-10 June 2022.
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