EUROPE DAY: “A UNITED EUROPE CAN LEAD WORLD OUT OF PANDEMIC” – ABRAHAM LIU

BRUSSELS, 8 May 2020 – Through “solidarity, trust and innovation”, Europe can lead the world out of the current coronavirus pandemic and into a new cycle of economic growth, Huawei’s Chief Representative to the EU Institutions, Abraham Liu, told a conference in Brussels today, held to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Europe Day (9 May).

European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic, European Investment Bank Vice-President Emma Navarro and Eva Kaili MEP joined Mr Liu on the panel, co-moderated by Euractiv’s Digital Editor Samuel Stolton and Digital Storyteller Dan Sobovitz.

“Europe has a unique opportunity to lead the world out of this crisis as a major power – but only if it remains united,” said Mr Liu during the event, Towards a new Marshall Plan for Europe: The role of ICT, organised by Euractiv. “It must not cede to pressure to fragment the world, which would also result in the breaking up of the global supply chain at a time when solidarity is most needed.”

Europe Day is held every year on 9 May to celebrate peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical Schuman Declaration which in 1950 set out the idea of a new form of political cooperation in Europe.

“Huawei stands in solidarity with Europe, and we will play our part. The spirit of Robert Schuman is also our spirit. Huawei knows that cooperation across countries, cultures and continents is indispensable. The goal for Europe now is to show the world that solidarity, trust and innovation are the way forward”, said Mr Liu.

Investment & job creation

“Companies like Huawei can help get people working again and revive economies,” said Mr Liu: “This can help build bridges again between countries. We are a major employer in Europe and we will continue to create jobs. Our sector is fundamental to Europe’s recovery. Digital technology and communications should be the building blocks of Europe’s recovery plan.”

There have been many examples of how digital technology has helped during the current coronavirus pandemic, including remote diagnostics, smoothing hospital admissions procedures, or facilitating work and school from home. The latest digital technology will be needed to attain the sustainability goals of the European Green Deal while generating economic growth. For this, connectivity needs to improve and network capacity needs expanding.

PRESS CONTACTS

Jakub Hera­ Adamowicz

+32 499 641 839

jakub.hera.adamowicz@huawei.com

Philip Herd

+32 491 165 509

Philipherd@huawei.com

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services – Huawei is committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organisation for a fully connected, intelligent world.

At Huawei, innovation focuses on customer needs. Huawei invests heavily in basic research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. Huawei has over 194 000 employees and operates in over 170 countries and regions. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.

In Europe, Huawei currently employs over 13 000 employees and runs two regional offices and 23 R&D sites. So far, Huawei has established 230 technical cooperation projects and has partnered with over 150 universities across Europe.