Mike Zafirovski, president and chief operating officer of Motorola Inc, a global leader in integrated communications and the largest foreign investor in China, pledged on Saturday that the company will not alter its scheduled investment plans in China in spite of the impact of SARS.
"We are optimistic about China's economy and our commitment to China is not changed at all," Zafirovski told the reporters in Beijing.
This confidence is based on Motorola's deep rooted investment in China and its close co-operation and partnership with the Chinese Government and enterprise, he said.
He made the remarks on the sideline of a Motorola donation ceremony in the capital at the weekend. Motorola donated 11.8 million yuan (US$1.4 million) worth of communications equipment and employee donations to China in support of the effort to combat the spread of SARS.
Zafirovski was in Beijing to reassure authorities, employees, customers and partners of Motorola's commitment to them during these challenging times.
"My presence here demonstrates both Motorola's concern for its employees as well as our confidence in China's ability to fight the spread of SARS," said Zafirovski.
"China is a very, very significant partner and the market here is very important for Motorola worldwide as well as a manufacturing base and research centre for the company," he said.
Zafirovski said earlier last week that Motorola Inc expected its biggest cost savings in 2003 and 2004 to be in its cell phone and semiconductor units.
On Saturday, the president also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Government pledging that Motorola will invest US$90 million to establish a research company in Beijing.
(People's Daily May 19, 2003)
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