UNIDO ITPO Tokyo organized the “Seminar on Water Business and Management” at the Green Innovation EXPO 2014 on 13 November 2014.

Three experts from Bangladesh, Myanmar and South Africa (as listed below) delivered presentation on introducing water business and management in each country.

– Bangladesh: Mr. Ratan Kumar Sarker, Deputy Managing Director, Engineering, Chittagong Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (CWASA)
– Myanmar: Mr. Tint Lwin, Head Building and Storage Department, Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC)
– South Africa: Ms. Tshepo Makhene, Managing Director, Afrolink Enterprises (PTY) Ltd.

With the expansion of population and improvement in living standard, water demand is increasing rapidly in these three countries. The 3 experts explained the current water supply, government policy on water issues, and introduced ongoing/planned projects.

After the presentations, Q&A/discussion session was held. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Kozo Bando, Senior Supervisory Engineer of Kajima Corporation. In addition to three experts, Mr. Yasuo Kuwata, General Manager of KOBELCO Eco-Solutions, also joined the discussion as a pioneer of Japanese company involved in water business abroad.

The discussion covered issues that Japanese companies might face when participating in the bid in those countries. Also, it discussed major bottlenecks for the private sector in joining water business in developing countries.

The seminar organized jointly with Japan Management Association and The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan, attracted about 200 participants, and was concluded with great success.