COMMENT
ZTE SA reveals
strategy aimed
at helping South
Africa to overcome
infrastructure deficit
One of the biggest
challenges facing
South Africa is
a shortage of
investment capital
for much-needed
infrastructure. ZTE is
determined to play
a role in overcoming
this challenge.
22
INTELLIGENTCIO
S
outh Africa is a country with
immense potential, both in its own
right and as a gateway into Africa,
but despite this the country is not yet
on track to realise its full potential. One
of the major reasons for this is a lack of
investment in critical infrastructure which
is vital for any successful economy.
According to Liu Haishi, Chairman and
CEO, ZTE Corporation South Africa,
Chinese companies like ZTE have
identified this lack of access to capital as
one of the principle obstacles preventing
high-levels of economic growth in South
Africa. In turn, a concerted effort has
been made to develop and adopt clear
strategies to help South African clients
overcome this capital investment shortfall.
“Several of these investment strategies
have already been successfully
implemented in the South African
context. This sense of commitment
to the development and economic
growth of the continent in general, and
South Africa in particular, is a product
of China’s evolving relationship with
Africa,” says Haishi.
He notes China’s growth has followed
a trajectory that has already been
seen in Europe, the United States and
some other Asian countries. “At its
inception, the country positioned itself
as a low-cost manufacturer and its
primary focus was on finding markets
for its goods. Over time, though,
China’s manufacturing capabilities
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