Sharp partnering Foxconn to sell smartphones in Southeast Asia

Japan electronics giant Sharp plans to launch smartphones in Southeast Asia through a collaboration with Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn, as part of its wider plans to improve its business.

According to a report Saturday, The Yomiuri Shimbun noted Sharp was eyeing smartphone markets in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam by commissioning Hon Hai to produce models Sharp released in China this month. It added the plans will be finalized by the end of this month.

The company also is targeting to introduce a model with a liquid crystal display featuring an advanced energy-saving technology into the domestic market, according to the outline of an additional business improvement plan, noted the news daily.

For developed markets, including Japan and North America, Sharp will aim to expand sales of smartphones with LCD screens that consume only one-tenth of the power used by its current ones.

The report follows news that Sharp plans to sell its Malaysian factory to Hon Hai Precision Industry, which will bring total job cuts to 10,000. Last month, Sharp was said to be considering selling off its factories in China and Mexico to its Taiwanese partner.