China Telecom Launches Gulf Operations in Saudi Arabia, Seeks to Boost Regional Digital Transformation
Riyadh, Nov. 23, 2024 – China Telecom has officially launched its operations in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to expand into key markets, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.
As part of its "Belt and Road Initiative" and in line with its vision to build a "China-Arab Community with a Shared Future," China Telecom aims to provide advanced telecommunications services to Saudi enterprises, institutions, and consumers. The company promises to leverage its extensive resources and global operational capabilities to bring innovative, high-quality communication products and services to the region.
"This milestone represents another solid advancement on our path toward internationalization, and we are committed to building a successful presence in Saudi Arabia," said Mr. Liu Guiqing, Executive Director and EVP of China Telecom Corporation, during the opening ceremony.
China Telecom plans to work closely with various levels of Saudi governments, enterprises, and partners to actively participate in the development of local digital infrastructure, drive the rapid advancement of next-generation information technologies, and establish a robust bridge for cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in the field of information technology.
The company has already showcased its global resources, business capabilities, and its investments in the Middle East and Africa. Key services included eSurfing Cloud, computing power solutions, quantum technology, and customized 5G networks. Currently, China Telecom operates branches in 42 countries and regions worldwide, owns 53 international submarine cables, and manages 27 self-operated Internet Data Centers (IDCs).
During the event, China Telecom Gulf signed strategic cooperation agreements with Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Huawei Saudi Arabia, and Baud Telecom Company. The parties committed to deep collaboration, leveraging their respective strengths to provide optimized and convenient digital experiences to Saudi customers.
The establishment of China Telecom's presence in Saudi Arabia marks a major milestone in the company's global strategy, representing a key development in its efforts to contribute to the growth of Sino-Saudi and Middle Eastern industrial cooperation. China Telecom aims to become a world-class provider of digital and intelligent technology services, continuously offering smart solutions for the development of the Middle East's digital economy.
In a statement, Mr. Fawaz, Representative of Contact Office of Chinese Companies in the KSA, expressed confidence that through joint efforts, China Telecom will seize opportunities in the digital era and contribute to Saudi Arabia's socio-economic development and practical cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in various fields.