Think London & China Netcom to support Chinese enterprises expanding their operations to the UK

Aug 14, 2008

Think London, the foreign direct investment agency for London, and China Netcom co-hosted a luncheon for VIPs of leading Chinese enterprises.

The two hosts provided guests with an introduction to the investment environment in London, as well as highlighting the international telecommunication facilities the city can offer to Chinese companies expanding their operations to the UK.

Michael Charlton, Chief Executive of Think London, said: “Telecommunications is a vital industry for modern business. The 2007 “European Cities Monitor” Cushman & Wakefield survey, found that London was regarded by senior executives from 500 European companies as having the best telecommunications. Think London can provide free and confidential advice to firms who want to be part of this market, and then making inroads into UK and Europe.”

Jidong Zhao, Senior Vice President of China Netcom, said: “International expansion is a key development strategy of our company. With the support of Think London and the British Embassy in China, China Netcom established its China Netcom (Europe) Operations Limited in London in 2007. This serves as our gateway to enter the Europe market and develop partnerships with European carriers. The company also provides international communication services for multinational customers, especially the European operations of Chinese companies. China Netcom strives to provide Chinese enterprises in London with comprehensive offerings and support in international communication. In line with China’s “Go Global’ policy, China Netcom has proactively developed its international services and products to expand the coverage of its international network.”

Mr Charlton added: “ London has become a global centre for new, emerging and converging technologies. By 2012, when London hosts the next Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Capital’s economy is expected to have grown by over US$80 billion.”

Since 2000, Think London has assisted over 60 Chinese companies in moving their European operations to the capital, including ZTE, China Telecom, Crystal Digital, Shanghai General Electronics Group, China Eastern Airlines, CNOOC, CCTV, China Netcom, PetroChina, and China Export and Credit Insurance.

Click here to listen to what China Netcom has to say about working with Think London (wmv)

Click here to read the Chinese version of this media release