Chinese ICT giant strengthens ties with Victoria

Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips announced that a delegation from Chinese multinational information and communications technology (ICT) company Huawei’s Global Procurement Department has been secured to visit Victoria in 2013 to run a workshop for local ICT businesses.

The announcement coincided with a visit by Minister Rich-Phillips to the headquarters of Huawei in Shenzhen, China.

Mr Rich-Phillips said the Victorian Coalition Government would host key personnel from Huawei’s Global Procurement Department to attend a specially-convened workshop with Victorian ICT suppliers.

“The workshop will provide local ICT suppliers with access to the world’s largest telecommunications equipment supplier, and engage with Huawei buyers,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“The opportunity for Victorian businesses to get face-to-face time with Huawei’s procurement team is an outstanding one – and one that could make a major difference for Victoria’s ICT exports.”

Mr Rich-Phillips said Huawei was increasingly active in Victoria’s ICT market, in recognition of the state’s outstanding capabilities in ICT.

“Huawei is one of the world’s leading technology firms. The company’s continued investment in Victoria reflects our status as a dynamic regional hub for technology and innovation,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

Huawei is also looking for opportunities to better engage with emerging and established Victorian ICT talent.

Mr Rich-Phillips highlighted a new program that is seeing Victorian tertiary ICT students spending five weeks in China as part of a work experience scholarship program.

Students undertake a short course at the Beijing University of Language and Culture before heading to Huawei’s headquarters where they receive training in Huawei products solutions and gain work experience in Huawei’s Exhibition Centre, Logistics and R&D labs.

“Huawei is investing in and recognising the strength of the Victorian industry and this is a great opportunity for ICT students to gain lucrative experience in China,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

Huawei is also supplying Melbourne’s Federation Square with video conferencing equipment that will make Federation Square the largest video conferencing set-up in the southern hemisphere.

Huawei Australia Chairman John Lord said Huawei was delighted to welcome the Trade Mission to its global headquarters in Shenzhen.

“Trade missions like this are extremely important for local Victorian businesses to tap into the emerging markets in China and the global supply chain,” Mr Lord said.

“The Huawei work experience program adds to our already strong commitment to ICT skills development and training in Victoria.”

Mr Rich-Phillips said Victoria’s competitive advantage in ICT was proving increasingly attractive to international investors such as Huawei.

Victoria has a thriving ICT industry, with the sector generating annual revenue of around $30 billion, and around $2.35 billion in exports.

“In 2011 we released the Coalition Government’s $150 million Victoria's Technology Plan for the Future that promotes technology-enabled innovation across the economy and supports the growth, development and global competitiveness of Victoria's technology sectors,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

Mr Rich-Phillips’ visit forms part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s 2012 China Super Trade Mission, the largest trade mission ever to leave Australia.

Media contact: Stephanie Ryan 0488 441 820 stephanie.ryan@minstaff.vic.gov.au

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