Huawei, the Chinese technology giant, has announced a new investment plan to extend its cloud computing infrastructure, research and development (R&D) partnership and local procurement in New Zealand.

Huawei will work with local partners to build a New Zealand Cloud Data Centre, and will open an innovation lab this year, the company said without disclosing the value of the deal.

The lab, located at Victoria University of Wellington, will concentrate on the deployment of big data and Internet of Things (IoT) themed future technology including 5G.

Huawei will build another innovation lab in Christchurch to seek local R&D partnership there, and open a regional office in the country’s capital for local procurement and help businesses in New Zealand which will be integrated into Huawei’s global supply-chain network.

Huawei’s Founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei said it is seeking further investment opportunities in New Zealand due to its open and fair trade environment and emphasis on developing new technology.

The digital transformation empowered by advanced ICT technology will enable New Zealand’s traditional strengths, including tourism resources, agricultural and trade sectors, into new driving forces of economic growth, he said.

Over the next five years, Huawei will also fund a total of 100 New Zealand undergraduate students to travel to China and learn about latest technology and participate in cultural exchanges.

||  A Huawai release,  |   March 22, 2017   |||