At the beginning of the 21st century, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development. Several international meetings were convened to redefine the goals, the path and the means to boost economic growth, improve social development and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystems. Four commitments from the multilateral agenda stand out due to their potential to enable the implementation of sustainable development: the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, the Monterrey Consensus, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha Ministerial Declaration, and the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).

This study presents a synthesis of 17 country studies on environmental goods and services (EG&S)
commissioned by the OECD, UNCTAD and the UNDP. The countries examined are Brazil, Chile, China,
Cuba, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Kenya, Korea, Mexico,
Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Thailand and Vietnam. Its aim is to identify determinants of demand for
EG&S; to show common themes and experiences in the EG&S markets of different countries; and to draw
attention to key trade, environment and development policy linkages.

Sub-Regional Brainstorming Workshop on the Trade and Environment Issues Contained in Paragraphs 31 and 32 of the WTO Doha Ministerial Declaration: Interim Report. UNCTAD/FIELD Project. 2003

Recognizing the importance of infrastructure development to Mexico’s economic development and competitiveness, in July 2007 President Felipe Calderon launched National Infrastructure Program (NIP) to dramatically increase infrastructure investment in energy, transportation and health. This major focus on infrastructure presents over $141 billion in new opportunities for U.S. firms until 2012. The NIP will be financed using public-private partnerships, with significant Mexican public sector investment. For more on Mexico’s NIP and opportunities for U.S. firms, visit http://www.buyusa.gov/mexico/en/

This sub sector market research report analyzes the market for equipment and services for the treatment of potable, municipal and industrial wastewater, water recycling, and water
desalination. The total market is expected to grow by approximately 5.0 percent from 2007 to 2009. This market has become more competitive, especially due to efforts made by companies from France, Great Britain, Japan, Canada and others.

The total market in 2007 for potable water, municipal, and industrial wastewater treatment, water recycling, and water desalination equipment and services is expected to reach USD
3,511.3 million. It is expected that the total market will increase to USD 3,641.2 million by the end of 2008. The federal, state and municipal water authorities demand 80 percent of the equipment and services and 20 percent are utilized by manufacturing and services companies in the private sector.