"Africa is experiencing a big investment boom in telecom infrastructure, as witnessed in China in the 1980s and 1990s," said Zhou Tao, executive vice-president of ASB.

"We are expecting huge untapped potential from the telecom market in Africa. We are committed to providing the best solutions to African operators, the best services to African people and to help develop local economies."

Compared to the established Western telecom gear-makers, Chinese companies offer more cost-effective equipment and solutions. Zhou said the Chinese Government's increasing financial support to African countries is giving a boost to the establishment of telecom infrastructure.

ASB, launched in 2002 with Alcatel holding a 50 per cent plus one share, is supervised by China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

The Chinese firm has obtained support from the government. The Export-Import Bank of China granted it finance of 500 million Yuan (US$63.3 million) in 2004 to aid its overseas expansion.

"As China and African countries build solid political mutual trust, African countries are willing to get Chinese companies involved in more infrastructure projects," said Zhou. "We believe Chinese telecom equipment makers will have even bigger business opportunities in Africa in the future."

ASB entered the African market in 2000 and has since won major deals in countries such as Ghana, Angora and Nigeria. In 2003, the firm won a US$150 million contract to build a national telecom network in Ghana, the largest of its kind in Africa for the Chinese company.

Source:佚名