WELLINGTON, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei said yesterday that it is making a massive investment in research and development in New Zealand.
The plans included the building of a cloud data center and establishment of innovation labs in Christchurch and Wellington, Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei said in a statement.
The company would spend NZ$400 million (US$282 million) over five years on the projects, according to the New Zealand government.
Ren said he met with New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English yesterday to discuss information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and digital transformation.
He also outlined the company’s investment plan for New Zealand, including local procurement, research and development and cloud computing infrastructure initiatives.
“New Zealand’s open and fair trade environment, and its emphasis on developing new technology, facilitates our ongoing commitment,” Ren said.
“New Zealand has rich tourism resources, and highly developed agricultural and trade sectors. Digital transformation empowered by advanced ICT technology can enable New Zealand to become better connected with the world, and transform its traditional strengths into driving forces of economic growth.”
Huawei would work with local partners to build a New Zealand cloud data center, and would open an innovation lab at Victoria University of Wellington this year.
The lab will focus on the use of Big Data, and how to maximize the potential of the Internet of Things through future technology such as 5G.
Huawei would also seek partners to set up an innovation lab in Christchurch.
It would enable 100 New Zealand undergraduate students to travel to China over the next five years to study cutting-edge technology and participate in cultural exchanges.
Huawei would open a regional office in Wellington, buy more goods and services locally, and help local firms integrate into its global supply chain network.
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