Huawei, the Chinese tech giant will be setting up a data center in New Zealand within two years. Also, the company is opening an innovation center at the Victoria University of Wellington in 2017 and another innovation Lab in Christchurch. The company is reported to invest $400 million over the next five years for these projects.
According to Stuff, it is reported that in a meeting between the New Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Bill English and Huawei's founder and CEO, Ren Zhengfei, the company's investment plans in the country was discussed which includes the ICT infrastructure build-out and digital transformation. The setting up of local procurement, R&D, and cloud computing infrastructure were also the initiatives discussed by the Huawei's head.
Ren said that New Zealand's open and fair trade environment and its emphasis on developing new technology will facilitate the company's ongoing commitment. Also, he stated that New Zealand has rich tourism resources, and highly developed agricultural and trade sectors and with the digital transformation empowered by advanced ICT technology can enable New Zealand to become better connected with the world. This will transform its traditional strengths into driving forces of economic growth.
It is reported that the Chinese tech giant will work with local partners to build a New Zealand Cloud Data Centre. Also, the company will open an Innovation Lab at the Victoria University of Wellington in 2017. It is reported that the Lab will have a clear focus on the use of big data, and how to maximize the potential of the Internet of Things through future technology such as 5G.
Also, it is reported that Huawei is investing around NZ$400 million over the next five years on these projects and the company will open a regional office in Wellington. Huawei is said to have plans of purchasing more goods and services locally that will help local businesses integrate into its global supply chain network. Stay Tuned for more updates.
