The world's biggest mobile tech gathering opened its doors Monday, with more than 2,000 companies jostling for the attention of consumers. Chinese tech giant Huawei launched a new laptop and a set of tablets, while Samsung unveiled its much anticipated answer to the Apple iPhone 10. However, as our correspondent Richard Bestic reports from the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, all the attention was really somewhere else.

The big reveal. Huawei unveils its latest laptop the Matebook X Pro - targeting the upper end of the market and attempting to "outpro" the Macbook Pro. Launched alongside a collection of new tablets, a measure perhaps of the Chinese technology giant's new confidence.

RICHARD BESTIC BARCELONA "So after the razamataz of the big fancy launch this is the first opportunity for the techies to get their hands on the new technology."

And though they appeared to like its slim line looks, its extraordinary 93 percent screen-to-body ratio and a remarkable pop up camera, these technology fans know it's far from the main event. Because the chatter at this World Mobile Congress is all about blisteringly quick 5G. It is finally coming and the competition is hot with 5G concept cars already being rolled. Not to be outdone Huawei is positioning itself after years of 5G research. Confident say the firm's bosses at least that it can go toe to toe with the world's elite.

YANG CHAOBIN, PRESIDENT HUAWEI 5G PRODUCTION "Huawei focused on the product and the solution to our customers. The operator will provide the 5G service to their customers. Anyway, for mobile communication, it is the whole ecosystem - not only Huawei, but also Eriksson and Nokia. They also will provide such equipment."

And Huawei revealed its next stage of the 5G journey with the announcement of its first 5G ready modem.

RICHARD BESTIC BARCELONA "Huawei's rise to prominence at events like this in Barcelona has been truly mercurial. And if the Chinese technology giant can really make a success of 5G then it really will be on the cutting edge of global communications. RB, CGTN at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona."