China's ZTE launches 4G terminal devices in Ethiopia

A signboard of ZTE is pictured during an exhibition in Beijing, Oct 29, 2014. [Photo/IC]

ADDIS ABABA - China's leading global telecom equipment and solution provider ZTE, on Wednesday launched its 4G terminal devices in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, in hope of continuing its expansion in African market.

"Now we see a great opportunity in Ethiopia to introduce our 4G terminal devices.We hope the society (of Ethiopia) will benefit from our best-standard products," said CEO of ZTE Ethiopia, Jia Chen, in his opening address at the launch ceremony.

ZTE's latest 4G smart phones, Grand S2 and Blade S6, are showed on the occasion and will be launched in Ethiopia in the coming months.

The company's move comes shortly after Ethio Telecom introduced 4G services in the country.

Jia said ZTE would develop 4G smart phones to satisfy the demand in Ethiopia for high-speed data and voice service within the local purchasing power.

"We will work to improve the user experience continuously, and let the Ethiopian people enjoy the convenience of the Internet economy," said Jia.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ethiopia's Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Getachew Negash, said Chinese telecom companies including the ZTE have contributed to the development of Ethiopia's telecom sector.

The official hailed the introduction of ZTE's state-of-the-art technology in Ethiopia as it will benefit the local people and promote technology transfer.

He said the government would continue to provide necessary support for ZTE in its activities in Ethiopia.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, La Yifan, who also attended the ceremony, said the launch has reflected "excellent relations in various areas" between China and Ethiopia.

On the same occasion, ZTE also signed Ethiopian long-distance great Haile Gebresilassie as its brand ambassador of terminal products.

Gebresilassie, 42, is the winner of two Olympic gold medals and four World Championships, with 27 world records.

ZTE, which has become one of the top three global 4G providers, sold 100 million mobile devices, including 48 million smart phones in 2014 in the global market, with market share growing by 24.8 percent.

The company has set up research and development centers in the United States and Europe.