Building virtual bridges in South African markets
Updated: 2014-05-06 11:28
By Xing Zhigang and Li Jiabao (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
"Western brands provide products for the world rather than customizing for a country or a customer. They significantly trail us in responding to customer demand and innovation."
Localization is also an important factor in the subsidiary's growth in South Africa as well as a key strategy of the parent company's overseas expansion.
|
|
Sophia Liu, an integrated marketing communications manager with the subsidiary, said Huawei is one of the best when it comes to looking after local employees.
"As a local, I think Huawei is a very fair company. The conditions are very good. Cultural clashes are not a concern. What is valued is the employees' loyalty and devotion."
Liu worked for South Korea's LG Corp and advertising agencies before joining Huawei five years ago.
To cope with the growing talent shortage in South Africa, Huawei set up a training center in 2008. The center has trained more than 3,000 people, including engineers of carriers and its own employees.
The subsidiary is also taking care of developing the younger generation by creating educational opportunities. The company has provided fellowships to China, donated laboratories for local colleges and funded small and medium-sized enterprises through incubator projects.
"The digital divide here is huge. But if the younger generation can access advanced education through the Internet, they will be exposed to the whole world, which will bring infinite scope for their growth and future," Qi said.
Despite the bright business prospects, the subsidiary continues to face several challenges in South Africa.
Related Stories
Huawei posts profit rise of 34 percent 2014-04-01 11:09
Huawei books quickest profit growth in four years 2014-03-31 13:35
Huawei spying betrays blatant US hypocrisy 2014-03-26 16:56
Beijing slams spying on Huawei 2014-03-25 07:16
Huawei set to become No 2 smartphone vendor 2014-03-20 16:26
China's Huawei leads patent application in Europe 2014-03-07 20:06
Today's Top News
Ukraine moves special forces to Odessa
Slovenian PM resigns
Disclosure of military secrets becoming bigger risk
China, AU to deepen co-op
UN hosts China Shanxi Food Festival
Chinese Parents: For some, it's 'Harvard, Harvard'
Japanese writer Junichi Watanabe dies at 80
Vietnamese veteran reminisces victory in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Variety is the spice of academic life |
Documents prove the truth can't be buried |
Race to remember story of resistance |
Strait talking: From enemy to friend |
Welcome to the world’s largest garbage dump |
The latest word on books: Keep those pages coming |