Since 2006, Germany has been the most important single market for ZTE in Europe. The company has recently acquired Lucent Network Services GmbH in January, boosting its German employees to more than 900 people after getting about 750 employees from Alcatel-Lucent. The company did not reveal specific financial figures.

"We are happy to have so many experienced people on board. The knowledge and expertise of our employees is the most valuable asset for our company," said Betty Cui, vice-president of ZTE. In February, ZTE announced its integrated German team had taken over the responsibility for the rollout and network operation of the E-Plus mobile communications network there.

Cui emphasized that ZTE's efforts in ensuring seamless continuity in the maintenance of the E-Plus network paved the way for the company getting more managed services projects in Germany, as well as elsewhere in Europe.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, another of the world's leading telecom equipment vendors and also based in Shenzhen, began exploring the European market even earlier than ZTE. Huawei established its operations there in 2000 and built close ties with nearly all operators in the region.

As of December, Huawei had about 7,700 employees in Europe, among whom more than 850 were working in research and development.

In France, for example, Huawei plans to have more than 1,200 employees in place by 2017, adding about 600 new jobs to the local market from 2013, according to Ren Zhengfei, founder and chief executive officer of Huawei.

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