Huawei to expand presence in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Huawei Technologies Phils. Inc. plans to expand its business in the Philippines, its chief executive officer Dr. Gavin Dai said yesterday.

Flying in from Kuala Lumpur to announce Huawei’s plans, Dai said Huawei would particularly hire more Filipino workers and start developing its enterprise and consumer business.

Dai said Huawei is already in the carrier business in partnership with local telecommunications providers Globe and the PLDT Group.

Although Dai refused to reveal how much Huawei would be investing in the Philippines to expand its business, he pointed out that the Chinese firm has already spent at least $100 million for its subcontracting activities in the country.

Huawei has been in the Philippines for only two years and currently has over 400 employees, with nine offices, one innovation center and one training center.

Huawei’s planned expansion, Dai clarified, would not, in the meantime, involve manufacturing operations.

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.’s core businesses are in fixed network, wireless network, telecom software and core network, service and network energy; an enterprise business which involves enterprise networking, information technology and service; and lastly a consumer business which involves devices such as smartphones home devices, and cloud devices.

Dai said Huawei would be introducing this year to the Philippine market various devices operating on the Android OS.

To promote its brand, Dai said the firm is exploring possible tie-ups with local sports clubs similar to its international support for European football clubs.

Huawei has also been building up its brand through various socio-civic projects particularly for relief efforts following Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Dai and Huawei media relations director Yingying Li, who also flew in from Kuala Lumpur, brushed off concerns over the ongoing political dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and alleged US government claims over Huawei’s spying activities.

Dai assured that Huawei concentrates on its purely business activities.

Li, for her part, pointed out that Huawei conducts itself as an international business organization with business transaction in 45 out of the top 50 telco operators in the world.