China's TCL introduces 1st smartphone produced in Turkey

By Aysu Bicer

ANKARA (AA) - Chinese technology company TCL, which recently started phone production in Turkey with Turkish electronics manufacturer Arcelik, has introduced its first locally-produced smartphone.

The TCL 20 SE was launched at an online press conference on Wednesday.

Serhan Tunca, the company's Turkey manager, said TCL has been operating in the Turkish market for a long time, and its aim is to deliver products with superior user experience at affordable prices.

"We are entering an exciting new chapter in our brand's growing journey with domestic production," he said. "We will also include other models with 'Made in Turkey' label and create a success story from Turkey."

TCL is among the fastest-growing technology companies worldwide. Its television and mobile devices are sold in more than 160 countries in North and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions.

Turkey's Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank visited on Sunday the production facility in the Cerkezkoy organized industrial zone, Kapakli district of northwestern Tekirdag province.

“TCL has launched cooperation with Arcelik, and they are producing together. The annual production capacity of this place is 450,000 units,” he said.

Calling on global brands and investors to come and invest in Turkey, Varank said: "We provide a range of incentives and advantages. Consider not only the Turkish market, but also export from Turkey. Produce efficiently by increasing domestic suppliers, reduced costs."

Other Chinese smartphone manufacturers that have begun producing in Turkey include Oppo, Tecno Mobile and Xiaomi.