Up to date, Beijing has 800-odd registered enterprises in the sector, of which 300 are in business operation, generating a total output value of 1.2 billion yuan (US$144.9 million).

Though the industry is not yet of large scale, Beijing boasts environment-protection professionals, technologies and information. So far, the city has an output value of 5 billion yuan (US$604 million) from its environmental protection industry, including 1 billion yuan (US$120 million) from environmental service, 1.1 billion yuan (US$133 million) from environmental equipment, and 2.7 billion yuan (US$326 million) out of comprehensive resource utilization. Non-governmental enterprises account for a noticeable percentage.

From 2003 to 2007, Beijing will invest 45 billion yuan (US$5.4 billion) in environmental protection and treatment. Adding to the 46 billion yuan (US$5.55 billion) invested in the period from 1998 to 2002, the city’s total input in the decade will reach 90 billion yuan (US$10.87 billion).

By 2007, Beijing’s environment will improve strikingly. The forest coverage will increase to 50 percent. Urban garage will be treated pollution-free, while 90 percent sewage will be treated and heavily polluting enterprises will be removed out of the city proper.

By 2005, the urban land used for industry will be reduced to less than 7 percent. It is estimated that each yuan (US$0.12) put into Beijing’s environmental improvement will generate 0.5 yuan (US$0.06) from the production of environment-protection equipment. The 2008 Olympic Games is expected to help generate 22.5 billion yuan (US$2.72 billion) in the industry.

(China.org.cn by Guo Xiaohong, February 6, 2003)