Huawei to Set up First European 5G Factory in France
Huawei chairman Liang Hua disclosed that the telecom giant will build its first European 5G manufacturing facility in France. The new factory will produce and supply devices for the entire European market.
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Mr. Liang said Huawei will invest 200 million euros ($217 million) in the first phase production, creating about 500 jobs. The Chinese company has already explained the plans to the French government.
Earlier this month, Huawei’s chief representative to the EU Abraham Liu said the company was looking at sites in Europe to build factories for 5G equipment. Huawei has been in Europe for 20 years since it invested in a research and development center in Sweden. The company wants to be more integrated into Europe in the future, according to Abraham.
France is still at the early stage of rolling out its 5G networks. Macron’s administration said they will give network equipment suppliers, including Huawei, a fair chance, despite repeated warnings from the United States against permitting the Chinese telecom company to participate in Europe’s 5G infrastructure establishment.
Viviane Reding, a former vice president of the European Commission, said a Huawei plant in Europe to manufacture 5G equipment would significantly boost European confidence in the company’s products.
