ZTE, Telecom equipment maker, announced that its Indian arm has decided to strengthen the facility to set up a new Indian Engineering Centre (IEC) office in the national capital to meet the growing demand for engineering services in India.

According to a statement, the new IEC office act as the main centre for ZTE India's after-sale engineering team comprising managed-services, network establishment, and maintenance of the network for operators.

While talking on the occasion, Mr. D K Ghosh, ZTE India Chairman and Managing Director, stated, ''India is a strategic market... We will continue to invest in technology and engineering to make sure we support the development of the telecom sector in every way possible, especially with 3G just around-the-corner.''

ZTE augmented the total number of its Indian workforce by over 1,000 employees. Around 100 employees were recruited and trained during this period in Delhi itself.

At present, ZTE India hires more than 90% local staff.

The company said that its centre in Bangalore is likely to be complete shortly.

It will provide training services to 2,000 ZTE India local staff plus 3,000 local outsourcing partners.

As a key market, ZTE India is committed to boost its investment in the country.

Dr. Ghosh said, ''We intend to work closely with the government in the Indian business environment and continue to cherish the relationships that we have built with customers and partners here. As evidence of its continued investment in India, ZTE will continue to introduce new production equipment to enhance its manufacturing capacity. Regarding to the security issue, with discussion and communication with the government, we are sure that we will be given a proper solution.''

ZTE, which is operating in India from the year 2000, turned one of the top players in the domestic market.

Besides India, it is also focusing on high-level markets such as Europe and the US. (With Inputs from Agencies)