UK has a first-class investment environment: Huawei UK CEO

David Cameron, UK Prime Minister concluded a three day trip to China, in which he hosted a series of meetings to discuss Sino-UK economic and trade conditions. In response, Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, has commented on its on-going commitment to the UK and Europe.

The trip, in which Mr Cameron hosted the Annual Prime Minister's China-UK Meeting together with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, marked a significant step in solidifying trade relations between UK and China, where Mr Cameron commented that, "the UK will be China's biggest advocate in the West".

The delegation comprised more than 130 elite British business representatives, making it the largest ever trade delegation to China, including Victor Zhang, CEO of Huawei UK. Mr Zhang said that Huawei has achieved encouraging growth and success in the UK, which in part is attributable to the UK's approach to foreign investment and providing a welcoming trade environment in which Sino-UK economic and trade relations continue to grow and develop.

Mr Zhang highlighted the UK as home to an outstanding pool of talent and a hub for world-leading business services. "London is one of the world's most well-established strategic finance hubs, and one in which Huawei has based its global Finance Risk Control Centre (FRCC)," said Mr Zhang. "As a renowned and influential design hub, it is also an extremely conducive environment for innovation. In partnership with leading British design institutions, Huawei's London-based global device design centre will guide design concepts for our flagship smartphones and devices".

In June 2013, Huawei expanded its existing UK operations with the opening of a new UK headquarters in Reading. The event, which was attended by Mark Hoban, the UK's Minister of State for Employment, reaffirmed Huawei's long-term commitment to the UK in which the company will invest 1.3 billion pounds over a five-year period.

In October 2013, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, visited Huawei's Shenzhen headquarters to meet with Huawei CEO, Mr Ren Zhengfei. During his trip, the Chancellor expressed his recognition for Huawei as a role model for investment and confirmed the support of the UK government.

Mr Osborne said that his personal visit to Huawei was aimed to demonstrate the government's trust for Huawei. "In modern times, China is not a cheap-labor manufacturer. Rather, China has world-leading high-tech enterprises such as Huawei," said Mr Osborne.

"Some people see China as a threat, but the UK sees opportunities. We look forward to further partnerships with Huawei and continued cooperation between China and the UK." He said.

In order to better serve Huawei, the UK government has designated Education Minister David Willets to directly support matters regarding the company. On December 3, Victor Zhang accompanied the Mr Willets to visit Huawei's Shanghai R&D Centre.

As Sino-UK economic and trade relations continue to grow, activities signal a more prosperous and dynamic future for the economic and trade relations between China and the UK. Headed by Mr Cameron, the delegation has signed 5.6 billion pounds worth of cooperation agreements.

Mr Zhang said, "Huawei is encouraged to see the strengthening of Sino-UK economic and trade relations. Strong growth and a sound investment environment will create opportunities for win-win results for Huawei, our British customers and consumers."