The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $200 million equivalent loan facility in yuan with Shenzhen Water (Group) Co., Ltd. (SZWG) and Shenzhen Water and Environment Investment Group Co., Ltd. (SZWEIC) to promote climate and disaster-resilient smart urban water infrastructure in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The PRC is facing high water stress, exacerbated by climate change impacts such as flooding and drought as well as by water pollution. Conserving and making better use of water resources and building resilience to climate change are emerging national priorities.

“Smart, efficient, and climate-resilient urban water infrastructure systems are essential to cope with the stresses imposed on cities by rapid urbanization,” said Director for Public Management, Financial Sector, and Regional Cooperation at ADB’s East Asia Department Xiaoqin Fan. “This partnership with SZWG will help to deliver water sustainability and security, and transfer water management know-how from Shenzhen to third and fourth-tier cities.”