WCA May 2014

news Industry

ALCATEL-LUCENT has signed a turnkey contract with the Libyan International Telecommunication Company (LITC) to build a 1,000km undersea cable system linking the country’s capital, Tripoli, to Benghazi. The system is designed to play a critical role in the reconstruction Libya’s telecom infrastructure, improving connectivity and providing communication reliability for business, public sector and consumer applications, particularly at a time when global demand for broadband services continues to grow. Based on Alcatel-Lucent’s 100G technology and a cable optimised with coherent submarine fibre, the system will ultimately carry capacity in excess of 10Tbit/s per fibre pair and is expected to be completed in mid-2015. Dr Mohmoud Aujali, chairman of LITC, said: “Broadband connectivity is a major growth opportunity for the foreseeable future, and the development of a robust telecommunication infrastructure is vital. With the help of Alcatel-Lucent, our new submarine cable system promises a significant contribution to the overall developments that are being undertaken to improve standard of living for Libyans.” Philippe Dumont, president of Alcatel-Lucent submarine networks, added: “Strengthening connection with the global digital community, Alcatel-Lucent’s innovative solution will help LITC promote growth opportunities for economic, cultural and educational activities.” Alcatel-Lucent – France Website : www.alcatel-lucent.com 1,000km undersea link from Tripoli to Benghazi Fastener exports down last year Jiaxing’s fastener exports declined 6.59 per cent to $900 million during 2013, accounting for four per cent of the city’s total export value. Europe and the USA have previously been Jiaxing’s main fastener markets. However, exports to these markets declined 4.5 per cent to $390 million, representing 44 per cent of the total fastener exports (exports to the USA dropped nine per cent to $210 million, while exports to the EU increased one per cent to $180 million). Exports to the emerging markets increased, with some strong growth to developed countries. Jiaxing’s fastener exports to Russia, Brazil, India, South Africa and ASEAN amounted to $200 million, accounting for 22 per cent of the total fastener exports. Exports to Japan, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Singapore rose 11 per cent, seven per cent, seven per cent, 12 per cent, 33 per cent and ten per cent, respectively. Fastener export prices varied. The average export price for steel or iron fasteners decreased four per cent to $1,309 per ton. The price for copper fasteners increased 11 per cent to $11,106 per ton, and for aluminium fasteners grew five per cent to $2,471 per ton.

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Wire & Cable ASIA – May/June 2014