Leading computer maker Hewlett-Packard (HP) and major electronics maker Foxconn Technology Group have agreed to jointly invest $3 billion in laptop manufacturing bases in Chongqing.  They plan to focus on low-cost computers, including netbooks and PCs to boost its market share in China. The manufacturing hub will have two main facilities, which will together produce 20 million laptops for export each year. The manufacturing hub is expected to generate an annual output of 200 billion yuan ($29.28 billion), about one third of the southwestern municipality’s yearly industrial output. At the same time, the company is planning to build a Greater China Clearance Center, which will help manage all the company’s financial transactions in the region. They are building various facilities for global delivery, a software testing centre and call centre, as well as a desktop manufacturing base with a capacity of 4 million units in Chongqing. The area is known for low-cost labour, land and logistical costs, as well as the city’s attractive free-trade zone. |
