China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Water Resources have released a joint plan to solidify and enhance the competitive edge of the water-saving equipment industry chain over the next five years.

By 2027, breakthroughs are expected in critical water-saving equipment, supported by a more robust standard system, according to the plan, which was published on the MIIT's website on Monday.

According to the plan, efforts will be made to cultivate a group of leading enterprises, national manufacturing champions, and specialized, sophisticated, distinctive and innovative "little giant" enterprises within the sector.

By 2030, the vision is to establish a comprehensive and technologically advanced water-saving equipment system, continuously strengthening the supply capacity for high-performance, high-efficiency and highly reliable products, the plan added.

An official from the MIIT department of energy conservation told China Daily that "water-saving equipment is a vital component of the water-saving industry and serves as the foundation for ensuring national water security".

"Currently, China faces severe water scarcity, with per capita water resources at only a quarter of the global average," the official added.

Providing specifics on industrial usage, the official said that, in 2024, industrial water consumption reached 97.1 billion cubic meters, accounting for approximately 16 percent of the nation's total water usage.

Water consumption per 10,000 yuan ($1,404) of industrial output was 24 cubic meters, indicating a gap compared to international advanced levels. According to MIIT, the industrial sector bears the significant responsibility of supplying water-saving technologies, equipment, and products for agricultural and residential use.

"We formulated this plan in response to the inadequate supply capacity and significant developmental pressures facing the industry," the MIIT official said.

"It is designed to further propel the water-saving equipment manufacturing industry towards high-end, intelligent and green development, thereby consolidating the competitive advantage of the entire industrial chain."