New Delhi: Chinese consumer electronics and mobile communications company, Oppo has stated that its Indian manufacturing unit will serve as the second largest manufacturing base after China. The concerned unit will cater to the demand of the South and West Asian as well as African consumer markets.

The project is expected to be completed in a year. Oppo’s effort could boost its manufacturing for domestic and export needs. At an estimated investment of Rs. 3500 crore over the next five years, the corporation will set up a manufacturing plant along with six other companies in Greater Noida. A subsidiary of BBK electronics, Oppo is the fourth-largest smartphone company in India.

Also read: OPPO R15 Pro with AI enhanced camera launches in India: All you need to know

Oppo is also looking to increase investments in its local research and development (R and D) centre, set up as part of the company’s global strategy. It will be investing $1.4 billion to work on 5G, artificial intelligence, and internet of things. 

The trade war between the US and China has intensified after the Trump government blacklisted the Chinese smartphone maker ‘Huawei’. The US also slapped tariffs on Chinese imports and its manufactured goods earlier.

Oppo’s large scale investment to set up the second largest manufacturing base in India could result in bitter trade relations with the US. Earlier, the Trump government was also disappointed with India setting a 50 percent import tariff on the American motorcycle ‘Harley Davidson’.