To demonstrate its emphasis on the Chinese market, the multinational will, for the first time, hold its annual global conference in Beijing from May 24 to 26. More than 150 representatives from the company's subsidiaries around the world will attend the conference to work out its future development strategy in the water and energy markets.

"China shows great market potential in the water, environment and energy arenas. We are more than willing to transfer world-class technology to help develop infrastructure facilities in China," MWH Chief Executive Officer Bob Uhler told China Daily yesterday in a written statement.

Oswell moved his home from Singapore to Beijing in February this year. "That is a deliberate move. I'm keen to be based in China and focus my energy developing the market here," Oswell said.

MWH said it would offer China its solid experience, know-how and advanced technology in the water- and environment-related fields.

MWH strives to help China reduce water loss

An enthusiastic supporter of Beijing's hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games, MWH is keen to add value to the city's infrastructure development. The delegates at the MWH global conference will visit the Beijing High-Tech Week exhibition and use the opportunity to tap potential business from water, environment and energy projects related to the Olympic Games.

Well experienced in providing targeted solutions for sustainable non-revenue water reduction, MWH has also drafted plans for leakage control to help China substantially reduce its water loss in the supply network.

A large country suffering from water shortages in many areas, China emphasizes reducing unaccountable water loss while advocating saving water in urban areas.

"In the network distribution system of urban water supply, pipeline leakage has always been a headache for many Chinese cities," said James Gao, an expert with the Water Regulatory System co-sponsored by the United Nations Development Program and the Ministry of Construction.

(People's Daily May 23, 2002)