Chinese telecom equipment developer Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. recently announced plans to invest $500 million to improve its Research and Development operations in Canada over the next five years.

Huawei, now the world's fourth largest smartphone maker, said Friday it plans to invest $290 million to support its current operations in Ontario.

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The Chinese giant intends to invest an additional $210 million to improve its R&D capabilities that will create 325 new jobs in the region.

"We're very pleased at how the Canada research centre has performed to date. We certainly see value in building up that team." said Scott Bradley, Vice President of corporate and government affairs of Huawei Canada.

"The key thing for us in terms of having a great relationship with the province of Ontario... is it's helpful to building our brand in Canada," Bradley added.

"We feel the research climate in Ontario is excellent. The access to talent is excellent,"

Huawei currently has two offices operating in Markham and Kanata in Ontario. The first Canadian office was opened in 2008. In 2010, the Chinese tech firm invested US$67 million to boost its Ottawa-based R&D center.

The company also invested in its international research and development for 5G wireless technology.

"We certainly believe in helping to reinforce our commitment to Canada and to try and build that trusted brand." said Bradley.

TagsHuawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Ontario, Ottawa, Research & Development, R&D, 5G, Wireless Technology, Markham, Kanata