Qualcomm launches unit to help Chinese smartphone makers expand overseas

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Qualcomm is one of several technology firms that have been the target of Chinese probes. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:32pm, 27 Apr 2015Updated: 2:57am, 28 Apr 2019

US chipmaker Qualcomm has launched a unit to help Chinese smartphone makers with overseas sales as the firm attempts to repair relationships with Beijing following a major antitrust case.

Qualcomm, the world's largest maker of chips for smartphones, draws around half of its revenue from China.

In February it agreed with the National Development and Reform Commission, which oversees China’s antitrust rules, to pay 6 billion yuan (US$966 million) to settle a 15-month antitrust investigation into its wireless patent licensing practices.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the firm has established a "globalisation" office in Shenzhen to restore relationships with Chinese smartphone manufacturers and help connect them with overseas markets.

"[This] is a significant refocusing of our efforts on supporting our Chinese customers to export out of China," Jeff Lorbeck, senior vice president of Qualcomm China, told the newspaper.

Lorbeck said that the company is trying to be more public about its dealings in China following the antitrust case. It recently announced a US$150 million fund to be used for investments in Chinese start-ups and a senior Qualcomm China executive was filmed dancing with Sesame Street characters to promote mobile road safety to children.

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