German firms eye Myanmar’s water sector
14 Nov 18 - Source: Myanmar Times - German companies will be travelling to Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay to explore Myanmar's market focusing on water and wastewater infrastructure and a conference on the topic is hosted by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the German Water Partnership (GWP), in collaboration with the German Embassy in Yangon.
"A lot of the infrastructures need to be modernised and upgraded in terms of water and waste water in the big cities, including Yangon and Mandalay, it is a starter. Our German expertise can help.
"We do not only offer high tech and newest machinery. We also offer partnership and system and help to get ahead here," said Martin Klose, delegate from the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Myanmar (AHK Myanmar).
Myanmar's Water and Waste Water Infrastructure Conference was held on November 12 at Novotel Hotel Yangon. The delegates and companies are organising a market exploration to Myanmar with focus on water and wastewater infrastructure between November 12-16.
The five-day delegation aims to introduce the market and the water and wastewater industry to primarily German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Moreover the conference will include company visits, seminars, workshops and meetings with local institutions as well as site visits in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.
Mr Klose also said that it will be a start of a discussion for new business opportunities and collaboration. "The German companies are now interested in the market and trying to provide products and services. Currently, I do believe that there are certain projects to engage in Mandalay," he explained. Hopefully the business trip will result in partnerships and deals and there'll be opportunities where German businesses will take part in.
U Myo Thein, director of the Water and Sanitation Department under the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC), said that they are planning large-scale projects to distribute water in the eastern, western and southern areas of Yangon from Lagunbyin and Kokowa water supply projects by 2025. "As a result from this project, there will be a decrease in underground water usage. From the YCDC side, water distribution from underground water will be reserved and others will be reduced before 2025," he added.
The Lagunbyin water project will provide 40 million gallons per day and the Kokowa project will supply 60 million gallons per day.
