China's Lenovo, the world's fourth largest personal computer manufacturer, is expected to cut 450 jobs in China, the company said on Wednesday.

The latest job cut, which is expected to affect the China-based supporting staff of Lenovo's overseas business, aims to further reduce the company's costs by enhancing efficiency and keep its competitive edges amid the global economic slowdown, said Lenovo.

"In light of the global economic problems, we must act decisively to reduce costs associated with global staffing and support functions to ensure our competitive strength," said Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo CEO, said.

The layoffs will be completed by the end of March.

Lenovo reinstated Liu Chuanzhi, founder the Lenovo Group as company chairman on Feb. 5 after revealing a fourth quarter loss of US$97 million.

The latest job losses come in addition to a larger cut announced earlier this year. Lenovo said in January it would cut 2,500 jobs, about 11 percent of its global workforce.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2009)