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Chinese vendor demonstrates knowledge of the British weather, but stays mum on way wind is blowing in EU referendum.
Huawei this week celebrated 15 years in the U.K. at an event at which there were indications that it could broker a new deal with the government once its current five-year investment plan draws to a close.
The Chinese equipment maker is investing around £250 million per year in the U.K., Ed Vaizey, Minister of Culture and the Digital Economy, reminded attendees at the firm’s annual summer reception in London on Monday evening.
Huawei unveiled a five-year £1.3 billion U.K. investment plan – split between investment and procurement – in 2012 and last year said it was on track to meet that target, Vaizey said.
The minister said he is hopeful that investment plan will prove to be a platform to discuss Huawei’s position in the U.K. beyond 2017.
All being well, the relationship between Huawei and the U.K. government will "deepen in the years to come," Vaizey said.
Huawei has gained significant experience of the U.K. market in the past fifteen years, Vaizey said. This includes an in-depth knowledge of its unpredictable climate, as evidenced by the fact that it regularly holds a summer reception in an indoor venue: Huawei knows there is a good chance "the weather will be absolutely terrible," he joked.
He also made reference to the upcoming EU membership referendum, but the vendor would not be drawn on its views.
"Huawei’s position is officially neutral," a company spokesperson insisted.
