Dubai: Chinese mobile phone maker ZTE plans to sell 90 million handsets globally as it aims to be in the top three ranking in the next three years. It is now at fourth place.
ZTE, known until now for its low-cost handsets, is concentrating on pricier devices to spur growth. The main markets are the US, Japan and Australia, apart from its home market. According to an official, 70 per cent of its revenues are from overseas and 30 per cent from China. The Middle East and Africa contributes 15 per cent.
“The Middle East is a high-level market as the economy is booming and customers are looking for quality devices with innovative features,” said Huang Dabin, senior vice-president of ZTE Middle East and Africa. “With 4G gaining traction in the region, we see huge growth opportunities.
“Our main business comes from telecom operators and we are in talks with the regional telcos.”
ZTE, which launched the first Firefox OS-based low-cost smartphone — ZTE Open — for $80 (Dh294), has no intention of launching it in the region. “That does not mean we will not launch it.... we may launch the second or third-generation Firefox devices.”
ZTE is showcasing a new 4G LTE device for industrial and manufacturing use — GoTa 4G Smart Terminal GH800 — for the first time globally at Gitex. It can also be used as a walkie-talkie and for video conferencing.
“We learn from the competition and that is why we are able to showcase innovations that deliver a superior user consumer experience,” he added.
