Israel's Water Technology Exports Double

Hi Everyone!

Amid all the negative news about the economy, I thought the following article was worth passing around. In my opinion, there are at least four industries that Israel can increase its exports dramaticly in the near future:
solar energy, water technology, agriculture technologies and bio-sciences. Below is a recent article on the status of water technology exports.
Enjoy the good news.
Shavau Tov,
Jacob

Water technology exports double

Local water know-how and technology is exported to more than 100 countries worldwide.

by Merav Ankori22
Globes
March 22, 2009

Israel has become an internationally acknowledged global leader in water solutions demonstrating that there is a positive aspect to the water shortages that the country has suffered from for many years.

The country's water technologies industry is enjoying growing demand for its conservation, savings, management and production solutions. Local water know-how and technology is exported to more than 100 countries worldwide.

The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute reports that water technology exports totaled $1.4 billion in 2008 - double the 2005 amount. The global water market is worth $400 billion annually and is expected to rise to $537 billion next year.

To mark International Water Day, the Export Institute published figures about the country's water technologies industry. There are 250 companies in the sector of which 200 export their products. 50 companies in the sector are defined as start-ups.

The areas of activity in which these companies are involved are: water management systems; safety and security for water sources; irrigation management systems; desalination; water recycling and purification; and others.

Israel is ranked first in the world in recycling water for agriculture. 75% of sewage is recycled for agriculture with Spain, ranked second in the world, recycling 12% of its sewage for agriculture.