Mainland-based TCL International Holdings' mobile phone arm plans to export handsets to Thailand as it seeks new markets in the face of fierce domestic competition.
TCL Mobile Communication, in which Hong Kong-listed TCL International holds a 40.8 per cent stake, is in talks with Thailand's third-largest mobile phone network operator, TA Orange, over co-operation in sales.
'The move is part of our plan to become the world's fifth-largest handset maker by 2005,' a TCL International spokeswoman said.
TCL, ranked the world's eighth-largest mobile-phone handset maker, first tested overseas markets more than a year ago in Hong Kong, followed by Vietnam and the Philippines.
The company plans to enter European and the United States markets next year.
Close domestic rival Ningbo Bird recently revealed its plan to make its first foray into foreign markets.
