Huawei Marine has hosted the 3rd Asia Pacific Submarine Networks Forum in Hangzhou with the theme: “Developing ICT Hubs: Make Submarine Cables a Strategic Asset”.
This year’s forum discussed the submarine cable industry’s role as a key facilitator of Asia-Pacific ICT development. The forum was attended by over 200 delegates, including: Chinese and ASEAN government regulators, submarine telecom operators, the investment community, solutions providers, and industry analysts.
“Till now, we have contracted to build about 40,000 km of submarine cable worldwide, which could circle the earth at the equator,” said, Mao Shengjiang , COO of Huawei Marine in his welcoming speech. “Thanks to the support of all the stakeholders we will continue to interact with industry partners actively to meet industry needs and challenges.”
“Infrastructure is the key bottleneck for developing countries,” said Shi Yulong , Principal, Institute of Spatial Planning & Regional Economy, National Development and Reform Commission of China. “Infrastructure interconnection is an important part of the construction for the “One Belt One Road” program and ICT infrastructure is taking the lead in building it.”
“Submarine cable has become a key component of the infrastructure for economic development, national defense, and people’s lives,” said Sun Juan , Deputy Director, Department of Sea Area Management, State Oceanic Administration of China. “The management and protection of international submarine cables is not only the concern of cable operators, but also the Chinese government. The government has established a number of management systems to effectively protect international submarine cable construction and application.”
Through a lineup of presentations and panel discussions, the forum addressed challenges and opportunities facing the Asia Pacific region, as well as how to seize opportunities and facilitate growth of the digital economy in the region.
The Asia Pacific Submarine Networks Forum is an annual forum hosted by Huawei and Huawei Marine. It serves as a platform, bringing together key stakeholders associated with the submarine cable industry in Asia Pacific and globally to gather together to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Previously, the forum has been held in Beijing in 2015 and Singapore in 2016.