KOTRA "Middle Eastern Companies Seeking Korean Partners for Water Industry Collaboration"

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] KOTRA announced on the 24th that it will hold the '2020 Middle East Water Industry Virtual Consultation Week' from the 18th to the 27th of this month in collaboration with the National Water Industry Cluster Project Group. Additionally, KOTRA will host a webinar introducing the Jordan water industry market on the 25th.

During this consultation week, 12 domestic companies and 14 Middle Eastern buyers participated. Recently, Middle Eastern buyers, including Israel's water corporation Mekorot and Jordan's infrastructure and engineering company Arabtech, are seeking Korean partners to jointly promote water resource projects in their respective countries.

The Middle East region has long suffered from chronic water shortages due to its geographical and climatic characteristics. Jordan, with an annual rainfall of less than 200mm, is the second most water-scarce country in the world. It is reported that the influx of Syrian refugees into Jordan has accelerated the depletion of water resources.

The Jordanian government is promoting various projects to secure water resources. They are focusing on desalination and transportation infrastructure expansion projects as well as sewage treatment facility construction projects. Korea is considered a strong candidate partner as it has a track record of winning final contracts for sewage treatment facilities and sewer pipeline construction projects.

At the webinar to be held on the 25th, Son Mugeun, Director of Kolon Global, who has been managing the 13-year Jordan sewage treatment project, will participate as a speaker. Director Son will present the project status and strategies for entering the Middle East water industry, emphasizing compliance with local procedures and securing human networks.

Lee Sujeong, Director of KOTRA Amman Trade Center, said, "It is estimated that 40-60% of Jordan's water resources are non-revenue water outside government management," adding, "Korean companies need to actively consider entering the Middle Eastern local infrastructure market, which is struggling with water shortages."

KOTRA, together with the National Water Industry Cluster Project Group, is conducting the "2020 Middle East Water Industry Online Consultation Week" from the 18th to the 27th of this month. A scene of online consultations with overseas buyers. Photo by KOTRA

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.