Huawei targets local partnerships
The world’s largest manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, Huawei, has expressed commitment to work with the Government to improve the technology industry.
Focus will particularly be on development of local ICT talent, enhancement of knowledge transfer and promotion of greater understanding of the sector.
Huawei, the second largest maker of smartphones globally is continuing to explore new partners and markets after being unfairly targeted by some Western governments who claim the transnational Chinese giant is threatening cyber security on their territories.
Huawei rotating chairman Mr Eric Xu said they were keen to assist the local ICT industry with telecommunication network equipment while jointly promoting the development of more aligned mobile communications markets.
He dismissed allegations that the company was a serious threat to cyber security in economies where it was investing.
“We believe that trust must be based on verifiable facts, which should in turn be based on shared standards. We believe that this is an effective way to build trust in the digital era.
“Cyber security itself is certainly a technical issue that requires expertise and our colleagues at Huawei have been working with governments and industry partners to agree standards of digital security,” Mr Xu said. It was critical to discuss cyber security issues rather than make accusations informed by geopolitical manoeuvring or xenophobic tendencies.
“This will not improve cyber security, but damage it. Objective standards must be the basis of such a technology-based approach. With this in mind, Huawei is an active member of more than 400 standards organisations, industry alliances, and open-source communities.
“We are working constructively with governments, industry bodies, operators and academia on cyber security.”
To properly address the concerns, there was need for collaboration rather the accusations.
Mr Devin Duan, head of 5G E2E Cybersecurity Marketing at Huawei, said his company was focusing on technology-driven cyber security.
Huawei, which operates in more than 170 countries, was founded in 1987.
Recently, a group of young Zimbabwean innovators drawn from higher learning institutions completed a course under the Huawei’s Seeds for the Future programme.
Seeds of the Future is Huawei’s global corporate social responsibility programme where a group of students undergoes incubation in China.
Initiated by Huawei in 2008, the programme seeks to develop local ICT talent and enhance knowledge transfer.
It is also aimed at encouraging regional building and participation in the digital community.
The students are Kelly Chadzingawafa, Ruth Mangwayana, Kushinga Jerahuni, Dumisani Mukuchura, Douglas Tanyanyiwa, Lillian Mandizha, Tawana Gawaza, Karen Chieza, Preacher Marange and Moffat Chiona.
Addressing the trainees at the launch of the programme in Harare recently, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Senator Monica Mutsvangwa urged Zimbabweans to emulate the patriotism of the Chinese to attain an upper middle income economy.
“You are important as young people, the young generation. You are the people who will put Zimbabwe in its rightful place. You are the people who will take this country far,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.-herald
