British Telecom (BT) plans to extend its global network to Shanghai and Guangzhou as early as next year, according to Asian president Graham Moore.
Mr Moore said the company was holding discussions with a mainland telecommunications operator on leasing capacity in the two cities.
BT also believes it may be able to benefit from the closer economic partnership arrangement by co-operating with Hong Kong companies looking to outsource their information technology and telecommunications services. It plans to invest US$12 million to $15 million in Asia in the next 12 months.
'We're in China because our customers are there,' Mr Moore said yesterday.
Mr Moore delivered a speech yesterday on the bursting of the dotcom bubble and how debt-laden companies struggled to survive.
BT's policy on business expansion in Asia is clear. 'Acquisitions are a definite no-no for the near future, so we are seeking partnerships with local companies,' Mr Moore said.
