Nokia China's headquarter in E-Town, Beijing. [File photo]

Finland-based mobile phone maker Nokia is planning to relocate its Asia-Pacific headquarter from Singapore to Beijing in an effort to increase business efficiency and lower operation cost.

Initial report of the move was confirmed by the company's spokesman.

"The relocation aims to adjust our operation to business environment to sharpen our market competiveness. It will include intensified focus on assembly in Asia in order to make our products more fit for our suppliers," the spokesman said in an email Wednesday.

Nokia has not announced changes to its staff as a result of the move.

The spokesman said the company's office in Singapore will continue to operate after the headquarter is moved to Beijing.

China's business press carried the story above on Thursday.