State Minister for Communications, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, received a high level delegation from ZTE Corporation, one of the top telecom and ICT vendors in the world to discuss opportunities of mutual cooperation. The Minister welcomed the delegation and reviewed the latest IT, mobile and broadband technologies and services provided by the Chinese company.
Discussions also focused on 4G development, enhancing LTE standards and other initiatives being led by the ministry. They emphasized the importance of technology and how it can play a very significant role in enhancing citizen’s lives, developing the economy and providing solutions to social, economic and business concerns.
The delegation showed its support for Bahrain’s initiative to develop and upgrade its current ICT infrastructure to international standards, foster a fair and transparent environment for the IT and telecom industry, and nurture healthy and balanced competition between the local telecom providers.
Bahrain is considered to have one of the most liberal telecom markets in Gulf. According to the 2011-2012 Market Indicators Report, the estimated annual gross turnover of the telecommunications sector was BD400 million. Approximately 3,000 employees work in the sector and approximately 180 companies are licensed as telecom operators.
ZTE Corporation provides customized communications products and services for global clients in the telecom and ICT industry, serving governments, enterprises and over 500 operators in more than 140 countries. ZTE was ranked the first globally in international patent applications in 2011 across all industries in China. Represented in around 190 countries, including all countries of the Middle East and the GCC, ZTE invests more than 10% in Research & Development, hosts 18 R&D centers worldwide and has co-established innovation centers with top-level operators.
Sheikh Fawaz also received an invitation to visit ZTE Corporation’s headquarters in ShenZhen, China to meet with senior management and tour their facilities.