Huawei will build a factory in France whether it chooses its 5G or not

Wednesday, 04 March 2020 at 16:36

Huawei's 5G solution is one of the most attractive and its equipment are relatively cheap. However, ever since the US raised concerns about the security of Huawei's 5G, many nations have been skeptical about Huawei. The Chinese manufacturer is planning to build a factory in France. However, some believe that Huawei will not proceed with the project if France does not choose its 5G solution. Nevertheless, Huawei's deputy general manager (Huawei France), Minggang Zhang, stated that Huawei will use French equipment in France regardless of whether the French government uses its 5G solution.

However to build a 5G factory in France

Huawei said earlier last month that it is selecting a site in Europe to build a factory. This factory will focus on the production of 5G equipment. On Thursday, Huawei’s chairman Liang Hua said that Huawei would build its first 5G manufacturing plant in Europe in France. Zhang Minggang said: "The plant will be built in France, no matter what the French government decides because this is part of our strategy."

Currently, Europe has become an important battleground for 5G, and French cybersecurity agencies are screening 5G equipment. This includes equipment from Huawei for deployment in its new networks. According to Liang Hua, Huawei will invest 200 million euros ($217 million) in French factories. This will create about 500 jobs. The plant will supply the entire European market, not just the French market.

At present, France is in the early stages of launching its 5G network. It has not chosen the company to supply the necessary equipment. However, the government said it will give network equipment suppliers, including Huawei, a fair opportunity. French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, also said on Wednesday that Huawei's plant in France will not affect the government's position on the three major 5G equipment manufacturers. In addition to Huawei, the other two competitors are Nokia and Ericsson.

"Our position on 5G is very clear. We will not discriminate against any company, whether it is a Chinese company or a U.S. company. We are only considering our security and strategic interests."