NEW YORK--Chinese handset manufacturer has handed its US PR account to Ogilvy PR, amid ambitious growth plans.

Ogilvy PR secures the business following a competitive review, weeks after the agency set up a dedicated practice focusing on Chinese corporates in the US. The firm is tasked with helping the organization expand its brand and market presence in the US by working with ZTE USA, a subsidiary of the world's fifth-largest mobile phone manufacturer.

“We are very glad to establish a strong strategic partnership with Ogilvy PR,” said ZTE USA CEO Lixin Cheng. “We have a unique opportunity to build awareness and understanding of our brand in the US market. This is a multi-faceted assignment, and we are very glad to have a world-class partner who will support our communications as we expand our US presence.”

ZTE USA markets solutions ranging from networking infrastructure to broadband mobile devices and is working to strengthen its strategic partnerships with leading American wireless carriers to bring these products to market.

ZTE currently employs approximately 400 employees in North America and operates offices and facilities in nine states.

The assignment will be led out of the agency’s New York office.