Apple Inc. will open a new research and development lab in the Chinese city of Shenzhen to help boost sales amid stiff competition from the likes of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and OPPO, Reuters reported Oct. 12, citing the Shenzhen Economic Daily.

Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly made the announcement during a meeting with senior Shenzhen city officials, which echoes a similar planned facility in Beijing.

As with the Beijing hub, the Shenzhen initiative will seek to collaborate with local partners and universities to harness and develop talent.

Other details regarding the planned Shenzhen facility were not mentioned in the report.