International experts from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas were at a Global Water Scarcity Conference.
Mr Neil told delegates Scotland could grow its water sector and help other countries manage theirs.
He said: "The world is waking up to the critical importance of water and to its scarcity in many places. As the world’s food demand grows, water availability becomes even more critical. Scotland has taken a leading position in tackling climate change. Our commitment to the low carbon economy is based on environmental and clean technology. Scotland can grow its own water sector and it could help many other countries to manage their water resources more effectively. Protecting and improving their fresh water provision could help boost their economic growth."
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Nick Lyth, Director of conference hosts, International Resources and Recycling Institute, said: "We cannot change bad habits in water usage, treatment and recycling without global users understanding and implementing better practice based on sound science. Scotland and Scottish expertise is well placed to be an international centre and influencer for change for the better across the globe."
One in eight of the world’s population do not have access to clean water and 2.5 billion live without basic sanitation.
Climate change and population pressures will lead to an estimated 30 per cent increase in demand for fresh water in the next 20 years.
