(Yicai Global) Sept. 11 -- Chinese phonemaker Vivo Communication Technology will establish its first research and development facility in southwestern China, investing CNY460 million (USD67.3 million).

The 100,000-square meter R&D base in Chongqing is expected to be ready by the end of next year, Chongqing Daily reported, citing the Chongqing Economic Development Zone Management Committee. The plant is the Dongguan-based firm's second artificial intelligence manufacturing project in the state-level development zone.

Vivo will cooperate with Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, Tsinghua Unigroup, and other well-known firms after finishing the plant to garner over 3,000 global top talents to develop and test software as well as hardware for smart devices.

The Chinese tech firm delivered 14.8 million smartphones domestically in the second quarter, down 13 percent from a year earlier, according to Canalys. It still had a 16.3-percent market share, ranking No. 2 in the country.

Editor: Emmi Laine