US state shares water management experience

Wisconsin, rich both in water and aqua technology, is discovering business and cooperation opportunities in China, said the US state's governor.

"There was great interest from a number of provincial governors about partnering with the water council in Wisconsin," said Scott Walker, governor of Wisconsin, at a press conference shortly before the 2013 China-Wisconsin Clean Water Forum on Tuesday in Beijing.

Walker, who presented the China-US Governors Forum in Tianjin on Monday, explained the topic of water management was included in forum discussions.

"Wisconsin has a unique position both in water and water technology," he added.

Milwaukee, the Badger State's largest city, is the world's leading water research, development and commercialization city.

The state has more than 150 water technology companies, and five of the 11 largest water technology companies in the world are based there.

Some of the companies also have a strong presence in China.

One of Wisconsin's strategic advantages is academic and commercial collaboration.

"We are looking forward to building relationships, both in commerce, education and research through the water forum," he explained.

Walker believes their expertise in water technology and management will apply to other places.

"We don't assume that what worked in Wisconsin will automatically work the same way in China," he said. "But certainly the best practices we have learned from our experience will inspire other places in the world."

China faces water scarcity.

Low freshwater resources and pollution have led political leaders in China to designate the resource as a priority.

Walker said that cooperation in water management is not only a good business model, but can be a particular win-win situation for the US and China relationship.