Nokia handset maker HMD will set up a production base in Europe and carry out software modification and testing in the first phase

CTOnews.com, Feb. 26 (Reuters)-Nokia handset maker HMD said on Saturday that it is developing capabilities and processes to bring 5G device production to Europe this year.

There is no large-scale smartphone manufacturing business in Europe because all the big companies, including Apple and Samsung, make phones in Asia to reduce costs.

As the first phase of manufacturing and testing smartphones in Europe, HMD is conducting software modifications and comprehensive testing with a number of IT security partners, the company said in a press release. However, the company did not disclose the exact location of the plant in Europe.

Earlier, HMD signed a 10-year exclusive licensing agreement with Nokia, once the world's largest mobile phone maker, in 2016 to produce Nokia-branded smartphones and tablets.

Nokia also launched three smartphones for overseas markets on Saturday-the Nokia G22, Nokia C32 and Nokia C22-and said it would start working with maintenance company iFixit to repair phones, CTOnews.com reported earlier today.