Israeli water management companies are keen to partner with their counterparts in India to bring about changes in the way water is managed by sharing know how, Mr Oded Distel, Director, Israel NEWTech, Investment Promotion Centre of Ministry of Industry, Israel, said here today.

He said “water is scarce. Israeli companies have become experts in water management over the years. This is something we achieved as we did not have any other option but to find new ways to meet water requirement in a water-short nation. By 2015 about 70 per cent our water required would be met through desalination. Our innovative approach has helped.”

The CII-Green Business Centre and the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour, inked a joint declaration on cooperation in areas of water management and technology today. This is part of the Israel NEWTech programme to share knowledge.

Speaking at the CII-GBC, Mr Oded Distel said, “we have begun to understand the Indian market for water management. This is a big opportunity for Israeli companies, which have gained expertise in different aspects of water management. We also know that it would not be possible to share our expertise without local partners.” Mr S. Raghupathy, Executive Director, CII Godrej-GBC, outlined the opportunities for Israeli companies to partner Indian firms right from water management to waste water management, including treatment plants. The joint declaration entered into here in the presence of Mr M. Maheedhar Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, seeks to promote business opportunities in water management, take business missions and cooperate in water management projects and share technology.

About 10 Israeli firms are here to hold parleys with their counterparts to explore opportunities for cooperation.