Huawei makes more commitment in Canada despite its recent travails

Huawei's CFO, Meng Zhouzhou, is still facing an extradition case in Canada and this lingering case is affecting Huawei’s relationship with Canada. Recently, at least two Huawei executives have left the country and Huawei's Canadian business has suffered a lot of external pressure, especially in its 5G business. Li Hongbo, president of the Huawei Canada business, recently issued a statement in Toronto. He said that regardless of the decision made by the Canadian government on 5G, and regardless of the outcome of the Meng Zhouzhou's case, Huawei will continue to invest in in the country. He said

• Huawei will not withdraw from Canada and will continue to invest.
• Huawei will launch 5G smartphones in the Canadian market in the second half of this year.
• For the flood problems encountered in Ottawa, Canada, Huawei will equip the Ottawa Community with CAD 10 million, and its local branch employees will be paid leave to participate in the relief work.

Li Hongbo emphasized that Canada is one of Huawei's location for 5G research. Currently, it has more than 1,100 employees in Canada , 70% of whom are R&D personnel. There are R&D centers in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. By 2020, Huawei will provide ICT training for more than 1,000 people in Canada. This program will be implemented through Huawei authorized partners and other similar programs.