Chinese Minister of Water Resources Wang Shucheng says conserving water is an essential and effective way to help relive China's water shortages.

He said the central government will promote public awareness of water related issues and develop more advanced technologies to help economize water use in the manufacturing, agriculture and service industries.

Also, the government will promote the construction of water supply projects.

China is one of many countries being hit hard by the overuse of natural resources, with over 100 cities in the nation routinely falling short of water.

(CRI March 22, 2004)