In 2000 the US market is expected to be the largest national market with 38% of the total market. The European market is expected to constitute 26%, Japan 13% and others 23%. Divided into markets according to use, the distribution is as follows: water and wastewater 28%, waste 21%, air 14%, other equipment 11% and services 27%. The OECD expects that the world market for water and wastewater products will amount to USD 54bn in 2000.

Denmark possesses certain spheres of excellence within products and

consultancy services which may be expected to be in demand on the world market for water and wastewater in the coming years.

Denmark shows great strength in the export of important components and turnkey plants to the water sector. This applies especially for valves, pumps, aeration equipment for treatment plants, sludge dewatering equipment, turnkey waterworks and treatment plants and sewer restoration technology. The main part of the export is to the western countries. But the coming enlargement of the EU with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe is expected to create a new market for Danish exports since large funds (EUR 500m annually) are channelled as subsidies to construction of new wastewater plants in these countries through the new EU ISPA-programme. Danish companies are well prepared to be part of this task because the Danish environmental assistance programmes have allowed the companies to gain experience in exporting to these countries.

Large Danish consultancy companies dominate exports of consultancy services in the sector. The main part of the companies’ exports consists of services to Central and Eastern Europe and developing countries, financed by Danish and international assistance programmes and development banks. The funds for these programmes are expected to increase in the coming years. Danish consultancy companies are large by international standards and have great experience in developing projects in co-operation with the international development banks and organisations. The Danish environmental assistance

programmes have also allowed Danish consultancy companies to gain

experience in working with environmental problems in these markets and they are therefore well prepared to participate in the competition for future international project export.

[Front Page] [Contents] [Previous] [Next] [Top]

5 The Danish spheres of excellence