On 1st February, Madam Sun Yafang, Chairwoman of Huawei met with the UK Prime Minister Theresa May in Beijing, and reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the UK. Huawei, which is a key investor in Europe, has announced that the company will procure a total of £3billion in the UK over the next five years, helping UK companies to increase exports to China.
This new commitment builds on the pledge made by Huawei in 2012 to invest and procure £1.3billion in the UK over the five years from 2013-17. Huawei announced today that this target was significantly exceeded, and Huawei has invested and procured £2billion in that period. The company now employs more than 1,500 people in the UK in 15 offices, including its head office in Green Park, Reading.
Prime Minister, Theresa May, said, “Thanks to the drive and innovation of UK business, backed by this Government, trade between the UK and China is already at record levels. This visit is an opportunity to further showcase the best of British and boost jobs and prosperity throughout the UK.”
International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, commented, “Huawei’s £3 billion announcement is yet another significant vote of confidence in our world-leading tech industry and I’m delighted to welcome their increased commitment to the UK. With 90% of global growth forecast to come from outside the EU, my international economic department is working to ensure Britain continues to benefit from the vast opportunities available as we leave the EU.”
Madam Sun Yafang, Huawei Group, Chairwoman added, “Huawei values long-term partnership. The UK was one of the first international markets we entered, when we opened our first office there in 2001. We have now been working with our major customers in the UK for more than twelve years, helping to build a better connected UK. Over the coming years we look forward to continuing to collaborate with our customers and partners to help keep the UK at the very forefront of the digital age.”