Water utility sector in China open to investors

The Chinese government will open the national urban utility market to domestic and overseas investors in 2003, divesting itself of managing the water sector in addition to gas, heat supply and waste disposal sectors, according to The People's Daily Online.

The Minister of Construction Wang Guangtao announced that his ministry would take steps to accelerate the commercialisation of the urban utility sector. The ministry, however, would regulate utility charges and services to protect consumers.

The ministry plans to establish a price system adapted to the market economy by charging sewage and refuse treatment fees, and reforming water supply tariff regulations in 2003.

The ministry's actions would also affect the public transport sector.