The Chinese company ZTE plans to set up a telecom equipment factory in Belarus, Belarusian Communications and Informatization Minister Sergei Popkov said.

“ZTE plans to build a telecom equipment factory. I cannot name the final date but ZTE will launch the project when the construction site and facilities are ready,” the minister noted. The Belarusian side discussed with ZTE the matters that could be interesting for the Belarusian market and promote its export potential via the industrial park. Anyway, any decision will depend on ZTE's interests.

Sergei Popkov said that Belarus had been cooperating with another major Chinese telecom company for several years. Three years ago Huawei and the Belarusian company Promsvyaz set up a joint applied research center. The companies co-developed the Smart Home concept. “We have an ambitious action plan to further localize the production of different Smart Home applications. Instructions have been given to increase the share of Belarusian components up to 37%,” the minister clarified.

According to him, the Belarusian national telecom operator Beltelecom carried out negotiations with China Telecom Company. The parties expressed common interest in cooperation in telecommunications in the China-Belarus industrial park Great Stone. Beltelecom and China Telecom agreed to set up communications in the park, provide telecom and data transmission services. “China Telecom company is one of the world's leading telecom companies and their experience would be useful for us,” Sergei Popkov remarked.

The minister underlined that Belarus enjoys complete understanding with the Chinese companies. “We are busy working out joint projects, and the comprehensive participation of the Chinese companies indicates their interest in long-term cooperation with Belarus,” Sergei Popkov summarized.

Source: BelTA