Apple is building a large new research and development center in Japan, Local media are reporting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as saying in a campaign speech.

The center will be among Apple’s largest in Asia, Abe reportedly said. Japan has been one of the strongest markets for Apple’s iPhones in recent years.

“Apple has decided to undertake cutting-edge R&D in Japan,” said the Jiji news service, according to Reuters. “It will be formally announced soon.”

Apple has not responded yet to requests from Japanese media for confirmation.

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