World can tap into water management

China is not only committed to working more closely with other nations to find solutions for the global water crisis, but is also willing to share its unique experiences in water management and conservation, Chen Lei, minister of water resources, told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

"The water crisis has become a bottleneck for sustainable development across the globe and there needs to be concerted efforts among nations to come up with solutions," Chen said.

Chen, who is leading the Chinese delegation to the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille, France, from March 12-17, says China and the European Union will sign an agreement on sharing experiences on water management.

"Water shortages and water-related disasters are becoming more and more serious, due to rising populations, advanced urbanization and global climate change," Chen said.

The forum, organized by the World Water Council (WWC) every three years, is the main international meeting to discuss water issues.

"The water crisis is a major concern for all nations," Chen said.

The Marseille meeting is the first global platform on water issues that China is participating in as a full member after joining the WWC in 2009.

"As a WWC member, China will join more international exchanges during the forum, especially on disaster control and relief operations," Chen said.

According to the minister, China and Japan will hold a ministerial roundtable during the meeting to discuss solutions to water-related disasters.

Despite the constant threat of flood and drought, China has made remarkable progress in the water sector, Chen said.

The biggest achievement of successful water management has been the record harvests, which have ensured that nearly 95 percent of the grain needs are met from domestic sources, he said.