Italy's telecommunications giant Aethra plans to expand its presence in China greatly and double its operational output within three years.

Giulio Viezzoli, president of Aethra, which provides audio-video conference endpoints and related services, and network termination equipment, said the company's decision was based on growing demand in China's market and close co-operation with Chinese partners. Aethra set up its representative office in Beijing in 1998 and its sales output in China reached US$6 million in 2003.

"Our aim is to increase sales output to US$12 million by 2006," said Giulio, adding that he is confident of reaching the goal because of the company's better business performance in China since the beginning of last year.