China now official member of chip council

China now has a voice in matters involving the global chip industry, including trade, environmental and intellectual property, as well as the ability to share new best-practices developed by the industry.

National Semiconductor Chairman Brian Halla said in a written statement Friday that the addition of the China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) would be a benefit for the booming Chinese industry.

"China is now the world's largest and fastest-growing major semiconductor market and therefore has a large stake in future growth of the microchip industry," he said. "China's domestic semiconductor industry would benefit from active involvement in the WSC."

The World Semiconductor Council meets regularly and brings together the leaders of the top 15-20 leading chip manufacturers in the world. The CSIA will represent China at future sessions.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International