Hyderabad, June 5 (IANS): D-Link, global leader in connectivity for SME and large enterprise business networking, will set up a global research and development and network training centre in Hyderabad with an investment of Rs.350 crore.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between D-Link and the Telangana government in Taipei.

Jayesh Ranjan, secretary, Information Technology in Telangana, and Yang Yao Chuan, Managing Director, D-Link, signed the MoU in the presence of IT Minister K. Tarakarama Rao.

The delegation from Telangana is on a visit to Taiwan and Hong Kong to invite investment in electronic hardware manufacturing.

The collaboration will develop local IT industry and cultivate local talent, a statement from the minister's office said on Friday. The facility is expected to create 1,000 jobs.

"In 1990, D-Link entered the Indian market, and in 2001, we were listed on the NSE. Now, we have over 80 distribution channels and more than 2,000 sales partners in India," a statement quoted D-Link CEO Douglas Hsiao as saying.

"India's potential as an emerging market is immense, and Hyderabad is quickly becoming a major tech hub.

"By supporting its growth and fostering talent, we believe we can open up new opportunities for both India and D-Link, creating a win-win situation.

"As part of the collaboration, D-Link will work together with the state government to provide public Internet access by deploying Wi-Fi hotspots that will provide wireless access to all citizens and institutions.

"D-Link will also upgrade government networking infrastructure to meet the latest security standards, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and cyber-attacks," it added.