Moscow: Russia, which has the world's
largest sweet water resources, could begin export of drinking
water to needy countries within next five to 10 years.
"Acute shortage puts water in the category of key
resources like oil and natural gas, ferrous and non-ferrous
alloys. I presume that after five years, maximum 10 years
the export of water could become a reality for Russia.
"Our country has enough potential for this and our
many neighbours have need for water," said Boris Gryzlov,
Speaker of State Duma (the Lower House of Russian Parliament).
Addressing the International Forum "Pure Water 2009"
here, Gryzlov said as part of the diversification of national
economy Russia also could provide cutting edge technology for
water conservation and purification to its needy neighbours,
primarily Kazakhstan and other Central Asian republics.
As Russia looks to move away dependency on the export
of crude oil, he said many experts had proposed the export of
sweet water as one of the major alternative sources of
revenue.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 18:55