SHENZHEN companies have been pursuing innovation instead of low prices to gain an advantage in the international market.

Despite a complicated international environment, leading high-tech enterprises such as Huawei and ZTE achieved outstanding performances in foreign markets in the first half of this year, Shenzhen Economic Daily reported yesterday,August 21st.

Huawei maintained robust growth by exporting a total of 72 million terminals in the first half of this year, a 40 percent increase year on year, the paper said.

Huawei maintains a leading role in the mobile broadband market.

ZTE reported a 36.4 percent increase in sales income from foreign businesses, the paper said.

ZTE had increased its market share in the United States and Europe, with mobile phone sales growth increasing by 300 percent in the United States between January and June.

Led by the big players and driven by a growing innovative ability, local private companies had sharpened their competitive edge in the international market.

Local private companies reported more than US$68.1 billion in imports and exports from January to July, over 47 percent growth year on year, the paper said.

Foreign trade for private companies contributed more than 28 percent of the city’s total in the first seven months of the year.

An improved innovative ability had given the city gradual access to the high-end international market, the paper said.

The city exported mechanical and electrical products worth more than US$100 billion between January and July, a 72 percent growth year on year, according Shenzhen Customs figures.

(Li Hao)