HP eyes major expansion in China

HP is hoping to capitalise on China's booming economy with major expansion plans set out for this year.

The technology firm, which has just launched a centre to strengthen and promote its cloud offerings, plans to bring up the number of R&D facilities in the Asian country to three by the end of this year.

It will open a centre dedicated to "networking and information analytics research" in capital Beijing before 2012.

HP did not reveal how much it plans to invest in the growth plans, which will also see an extension of manufacturing facilities in Shanghai.

The company said it plans to set up a China regional headquarters for its subsidiary Personal Systems Group.

Leo Apotheker, HP's chief executive, said in a statement: "China's vibrant economy, explosive growth in social and mobile connectivity, and strong commitment to innovation present tremendous opportunities for HP."

The firm will explore technology projects in a range of fields - from infrastructure and energy to health care - in major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing.

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