TOKYO, May 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) announced on May 17 that its subsidiary NTT Com Asia Limited has begun operating a branch office in Macao effective immediately. Headed by the current EVP of Corporate Planning & Global Solution at NTT Com Asia, Tetsushi Sasago, the Macao Branch will provide multinational corporations, local companies and the Macao government with global network services, IP connectivity, data center, hosting and various ICT solutions from NTT Com.

Macao, which has enjoyed robust GDP growth averaging 18% per annum over the past five years, has achieved extensive economic progress centered on its casino and entertainment industries, followed by the expansion of its hotel, financial and retail sectors. Improved transportation thanks to the construction of a bridge to Hengqin Island and the University of Macau's planned expansion to the island are expected to boost the economy further.

NTT Com anticipates new opportunities to emerge as a result of Macao's plan to open domestic and international telecommunication licenses to foreign companies in 2012, following similar moves for mobile and ISP licenses, which would help to further activate the market and accelerate its liberalization. The new branch will further enhance the group's position in developing the Greater China market.

The addition of the NTT Com Asia Limited Macao Branch expands NTT Com's network of subsidiaries and offices to 74 cities in 29 countries/regions.