[Lisbon, Portugal, 22 March, 2012]: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, held its 3rd Huawei International Advisory Council (IAC) meeting in Lisbon, Portugal from March 2-4. Attendees, which included members of the IAC, local board of directors and advisors from Huawei’s overseas subsidiaries and the company’s senior management team, explored the opportunities and challenges facing Huawei in the fast-changing ICT industry, and discussed Huawei’s global development roadmap. A significant outcome of this meeting was the IAC’s identification of Europe as one of the most important markets for Huawei’s future development.
The Huawei IAC was formed in 2010 and is currently comprised of industry experts, business leaders and academics from countries such as the U.K., the U.S., France, Australia, China, Japan and India. These advisors draw on their expertise to provide Huawei with insights and analysis on trends and issues impacting the global ICT and economic environment, and make recommendations on the company’s business strategy.
In the opening speech, Huawei’s Deputy Chairman, Mr. Guo Ping said: “Against the backdrop of unprecedented rapid development of the ICT industry, Huawei needs to continually optimize and refine our management system and business direction to maintain our competitive edge, maximize the creativity of our well-educated workforce, and more effectively leverage growth opportunities. It is for these reasons that Huawei has invited the industry’s best minds to the IAC; by tapping into their invaluable experience and industry knowledge, we are better equipped to chart our strategy for continued success.”
The meeting focused on Europe as a region of strategic importance for Huawei, as one of the most mature ICT markets in the world and a provider of unparalleled resources and talent. Huawei has created more than 5,000 job opportunities in Europe and established competence and R&D centers in the U.K., France, Italy, Sweden and Germany. Huawei also established a local board of directors and advisory council in the U.K. and France, led by local senior management to develop and implement local business strategies within those markets.
After considering the IAC members’ suggestions, Huawei will increase its investment in Europe and focus on establishing more mutually beneficial partnerships with European firms, creating more jobs and attracting local talent, to better adapt to the local market environment and develop Europe as an important source for business continuity internationally.
Huawei will also put more focus on efficiency and profitability, strengthening the foundation of its business in Europe by improving compliance operations, forming an effective local governance and management system, and building brand awareness. In addition, Huawei will leverage local talent and resources to strengthen its European operations and benefit local communities. In the mid-to- long-term, Huawei will reinforce its capabilities in Europe by recruiting more local talent – including mid-level and senior management executives – to systemically develop and deploy its resources and capabilities across the supply chain, enhancing the efficiency of its finance and operations centers, as well as exploring further cooperation opportunities with local partners.
Mr. Kevan Watts, IAC member and world renowned expert in the field of finance, said: “The ICT industry is one that is strategic to the socio-economic development of countries around the world and we are pleased to see industry leaders such as Huawei actively driving the global ICT agenda. I am also excited about Huawei’s localization strategy, in particular, the enhanced local innovation and R&D efforts in regions like Europe. Huawei is now not only a global company, it is also a local company.”
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