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Welcome Letters

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to extend a cordial welcome to the participants and guests of the 1st Central Asian Water & Water Technologies Exhibition and Conference – WaterTech Central Asia 2008 and wish you a successful work!

Tackling water supply problems is of great importance for Kazakhstan. The growing shortage of potable water, the necessity to use it in a rational way, excessive overburden of sewage treatment facilities in many cities, and transboundary river problems require solution.

Specific steps are taken in Kazakhstan to solve these problems. Holding an exhibition and conference on water and water technologies can be regarded as one of these. We need to study positive experience of handling such problems by other countries.

In this connection I would like to note the relevance of holding this exhibition and conference which are designed to promote preservation and rational use of a most valuable resource on Earth, water, the reserves of which are decreasing and require joint efforts and close attention on behalf of governments, commercial structures, and scientific circles.

The opportunities of the exhibition do not include only demonstration of world achievements but also establishment of business contacts, assistance in introducing the latest developments in production and public utilities. A great advantage of the conference will be the opportunity for the participants to communicate in an environment of professionals, share experience, discuss topical issues of the industry, and search ways to solve the burning problems.

I wish the participants, guests, and organisers of the exhibition and conference fruitful and creative work, good health and every success in your noble cause!

N. Iskakov
Minister of environment protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to note that Kazakhstan was selected as the venue for the 1st Central Asian International Water and Water Technologies Exhibition and Conference – WaterTech Central Asia 2008. So, our ministry, as a receiving party, is happy to welcome the exhibitors and guests of this important event.

The shortage of potable water in Kazakhstan is conditioned by its geographical location and requires rational use thereof, introduction of new technologies, and co-operation with the neighbouring nations. It is necessary to study the available positive experience of solving such problems by other countries.

In this view, I would like to note the relevance of holding this exhibition and conference which are designed to promote development of international co-operation, exchange of experience, introduction of the latest environment-friendly technologies into industrial production and municipal services, lowering the level of river and water body pollution, provision of remote villages with potable water, solution of problems with irrigation water in rural regions, and trans-boundary river problems.

I am sure that the holding of this exhibition will further fruitful and mutually beneficial co-operation between experts in ecology and water management issues, become a platform to establish business contacts, sign long-term agreements and contracts, and present water-related projects.

I wish the exhibitors, guests, and organisers of the event successful work, good health, and well-being.

A. Kurishbayev
Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Kazakhstan

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to welcome the exhibitors and visitors of the 1st Central Asian International Water and Water Technologies Exhibition – WaterTech CA 2008.

This economic sector is now in the focus of the government as the issue of careful use of water is a truly burning one both for Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region on the whole. It is necessary to introduce new technologies and services, and study the experience of foreign countries and our nearest neighbours.

In this connection, I would like to point out the importance of the exhibition which will enhance nature conservation, introduce the latest environment-friendly technologies in industry and municipal economy, and reduce environment pollution in Almaty and throughout the Republic of Kazakhstan.

I am sure the exhibition will further fruitful and mutually advantageous co-operation between experts in the issues of ecology and water management, development of an ecological management system at Kazakhstan’s enterprises, and will become a venue of establishing business contacts and signing long-term contracts.

I wish the exhibitors, visitors and organisers of the exhibition successful work, every success in their creative activities and prosperity.

A. Smankulov,
Almaty City Deputy Akim

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme, I would like to welcome all exhibitors and guests of the Central Asian International Exhibition WaterTech 2008. We would like to express our appreciation to the exhibition organisers who provide support to numerous initiatives in this sphere of development. This event once again underscores the significance of rational use of water resources and the necessity to apply environment-friendly technologies to increase the efficiency of production and reduce water pollution.

Creation of a legislative and institutional basis for successful resolution of problems related to the increasing pollution of water resources and the scarcity thereof is a priority of ecological security of Kazakhstan.

The UNDP Initiative Development of the National Plan for Integrated Management of Water Resources and Efficient Water Use in Kazakhstan is aimed at supporting the Government of Kazakhstan in improving the legislative and institutional basis in the field of water resources management. Based on the analysis of international experience and Kazakhstan legislation, we have assisted the Committee for Water Resources in the preparation and development of the Programme Integrated Management of Water Resources and Increasing Water Use Efficiency aimed at developing a water management system in Kazakhstan and have held a few training programmes. Assisted by the UNDP, Basin Councils have been established in all eight river basins of Kazakhstan, which is the basis for involving all parties concerned in the process of decision making. This year, we provide assistance in further development of the Basin Councils and a number of pilot projects designed to construct and sustainably operate new water supply systems in rural areas of Mangystau and Almaty Oblasts.

We hope that these initiatives to improve water resources management and increase the efficiency of use thereof will be supported by the Government, industrial enterprises, private entrepreneurs, and NGOs and will make a notable contribution to the attainment of the goals of sustainable development of Kazakhstan. For more details about the UNDP’s activities in Kazakhstan in the field of efficient management and sustainable development, please visit www.undp.kz, www.voda.kz and www.caresd.net.

Once again, please accept our appreciation of the growing support you give to the promotion of this important issue of water resources management. It is vitally important to seriously treat the environment protection issues for the sake of sustainable development of Kazakhstan. Together, we can change the world for the better. And this time has come now.

We wish you fruitful work and every success at WaterTech 2008!

Haolyan Shu,
UN Permanent Coordinator
UNDP Permanent Representative