Core Viewpoint - The water treatment membrane industry in China is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for wastewater treatment and seawater desalination, supported by government policies and technological advancements [1][6][13]. Industry Overview - Water treatment membranes are selective separation materials used for purifying and concentrating wastewater without the need for chemical additives [4]. - The market size of China's water treatment membrane industry is projected to grow from 26.9 billion yuan in 2019 to 45.6 billion yuan by 2024, indicating strong downstream market demand [1][13]. - The industry is categorized into various types of membranes, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis, with reverse osmosis holding a 45% market share [15][17]. Market Dynamics - The demand for water treatment membranes is increasing due to urbanization, industrialization, and the rising need for wastewater treatment and recycled water production [1][13]. - The number and scale of seawater desalination projects are also contributing to the growing demand for water treatment membranes [1][13]. Competitive Landscape - The Chinese water treatment membrane market is characterized by a domestic-led structure, with domestic companies holding 78% of the market share, while foreign and joint ventures account for 10% and 12%, respectively [19]. - Key domestic players include Beijing OriginWater Technology Co., Ltd., Waton Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin Membrane Technology Co., Ltd., and others [19][20]. Policy Support - The Chinese government has implemented various policies to support the development of the water treatment membrane industry, including the "Action Plan for Seawater Desalination Utilization (2021-2025)" and other initiatives aimed at enhancing wastewater treatment technologies [6][8][26]. - These policies are designed to promote technological advancements and increase the application of high-performance membrane materials [6][26]. Future Trends - The industry is expected to see continuous technological innovation, with new materials and manufacturing processes emerging, such as nano-porous membranes and organic/inorganic composite membranes [25]. - The demand for water treatment membranes is anticipated to grow in emerging sectors like photovoltaic and lithium battery industries, which require high-purity water for production processes [27].

Core Insights - The article highlights the growing economic cooperation between Japan and Foshan, emphasizing the potential for increased Japanese investment in the region [1][2][9] - The "Japan Enterprises Guangdong Tour" serves as a practical initiative to deepen economic ties and enhance international cooperation [2][9] Group 1: Economic Cooperation - Foshan has established itself as a significant hub for Japanese investment, with 254 Japanese enterprises contributing a registered capital of $2.39 billion [1][2] - The presence of major Japanese companies such as Toyota, Honda, and Panasonic has led to the development of various sectors including automotive parts, electronics, and high-end equipment manufacturing [2][3] Group 2: Industry Development - The influx of quality Japanese enterprises has introduced advanced technologies and production processes, driving Foshan's industries towards higher-end, intelligent, and clustered development [3][4] - The establishment of Honda's parts manufacturing company has catalyzed the growth of a robust automotive supply chain in Foshan, creating a billion-dollar industry cluster [3][4] Group 3: Investment Environment - Foshan's favorable business environment, characterized by efficient government services and supportive policies, has attracted numerous Japanese firms [6][7][8] - The South China Japanese SME Park has been recognized as a key area for Japanese automotive parts companies, addressing challenges such as funding and unfamiliarity with the local market [6][7] Group 4: Future Prospects - The recent tour attracted 41 Japanese enterprises, indicating a strong interest in collaboration across sectors like clean energy, automotive, and precision manufacturing [4][9] - The ongoing economic uncertainties highlight the importance of attracting quality investments to enhance Foshan's industrial structure and technological advancements [9]