France Telecom Signs Chinese R&D Agreement

China's ZTE and France Telecom has signed an agreement for joint research and development, initially focusing on applying the Linux operating system for 3G smartphone handsets, with the development of a particularly innovative client interface. The agreement was signed by Mr. Yin Yimin, ZTE's Chief Executive Office - CEO and Mr. Didier Lombard, France Telecom's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, at the time of the Chinese Prime Minister Mr. Wen Jiabao's visit to France.

This partnership will capitalize on France Telecom's presence in China, and more specifically its R&D laboratory in Beijing, where the Group's local teams are able to analyze the specific features of the Asian market and anticipate future developments in the global telecommunications sector.

The conclusion of this strategic R&D partnership between ZTE and France Telecom will have a major impact on the long-term development of both companies, with Mr.Yin Yimin, ZTE's CEO, confirming that: "This agreement strengthens ZTE's strategy in Europe; through this kind of technology cooperation with France Telecom, one of the world's leading telcos, ZTE will expand their understanding of their customer's requirements thus enhance ZTE's competitive position. The agreement shows also that France Telecom and ZTE have entered into a new era of cooperation in addition to the existing supplier/buyer relationship."

Mr. Didier Lombard, France Telecom's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, added that: "the agreement that we are announcing today is fully in line with the France Telecom Group's strategy in China, which is based on a local R&D laboratory as well as our strategic partnership with China Telecom. With the joint implementation of innovative solutions adapted for the telecoms standards of the future, France Telecom has now established itself more than ever before as a pivotal player in distributing new technologies to as many people as possible, in line with the expectations of our customers. Under these conditions, France Telecom is delighted to be able to launch a long-term partnership with ZTE, which is one of the leading Chinese Group's in its field"."

Posted to the site on 7th December 2005