World optical networking leader Alcatel launched its fifth communications research and development center on Friday in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.
It is a move to further strengthen its leading edge in the sector globally, China Daily reported Saturday.
The Alcatel Shanghai Bell Optical Communications R & D Center, set up by Alcatel's flagship Chinese company Alcatel Shanghai Bell, will be the first among its five centers to research a full range of optical products and solutions, including wavelength division multi-plexing and synchronous digital hierarchy, Alcatel officials said.
Alcatel Shanghai Bell President Andrew Young said the center will strengthen Alcatel's research capability and technology leadership in China, one of the world's fastest-growing telecom market.
"We believe that our research endeavors in China will be quick to take off, thanks to favorable government policies as well as an abundance of quality researchers in the country," Young said.
Christian Reinaudo, Alcatel's executive vice-president, said the Chongqing operation is an integral part of the company's global research network and is just as important as its four other optical R & D centers in France, Germany, Italy and the United States.
(China Daily March 1, 2003)
