(Yicai Global) Nov. 29 -- The world's largest telecoms equipment maker, Huawei Technologies, plans to set up its fifth French research and development hub in the southern city of Grenoble.

The center will be focused on sensors and software, state-owned news agency Xinhua cited Shi Weiliang, general manager of Huawei's French unit, as saying at an annual conference for partners and suppliers on Nov. 27. The report did not disclose financial details.

The research hub will be an important part of Shenzhen-based Huawei's direct investment in France, Shi added, saying it will be home to 30 researchers by 2020, taking the firm's total in the country to 200.

Huawei entered France 16 years ago to offer improved technical support for its clients and collaborators to make them more competitive, Shi continued, adding that the firm will continue to invest in innovative areas in the country.

It announced in 2013 that it would spend EUR1.5 billion (USD1.7 billion) investing in France and already has research centers there studying chips, mathematics, household devices and aesthetics, with their achievements being applied across the globe, the report added.

Editor: James Boynton