Mission Statement/Calendar U.S. Microelectronics Trade Mission to Shanghai, China March 10-14, 2003

The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (DOC/ITA), with support from the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) and Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), is sponsoring a trade mission to China from March 10 to 14, 2003. This trade mission offers small to medium-sized companies a low-risk opportunity to explore China's flourishing microelectronics market.

The mission, led by Michelle O'Neill, DOC Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information Technology Industries, will include meetings with authorities at Shanghai's Zhangjiang High Tech Park and the Jin Qiao Industrial Processing Zone. Delegates will also have the opportunity to visit the Shanghai-based operations of Applied Materials Inc., Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC), and Intel Corp. In addition, delegates can attend briefings given by the DOC, ERA, and SEMI on the Chinese electronics market and doing business in China.

The remainder of the itinerary will be divided between pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings with Chinese counterparts and time spent at the electronicChina/SEMICON China trade shows held March 12 to 14 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). Participating companies can take advantage of two dedicated exhibition booths at SEMICON China, which is recognized as the region's premier event for showcasing the latest advances in semiconductor equipment, materials and services. SEMICON China will be co-located at the SNIEC venue with electronicChina, a broad-based exposition for electronics manufacturing.

To get more information or join the China Microelectronics Trade Mission, call Marlene Ruffin at 202.482.0570, or email marlene_ruffin@ita.doc.gov

About DOC/ITA
DOC's International Trade Administration helps U.S. companies identify and exploit worldwide trade opportunities, and monitors effective implementation and enforcement of U.S. trade agreements. The China Microelectronics Trade Mission is being organized by the ITA's Office of Microelectronics, Medical Equipment and Instrumentation (OMMI). Visit www.ita.doc.gov.

About ERA
Headquartered in Chicago, ERA is an alliance of manufacturers' representatives in the electronics and high technology industries. ERA will host an "International Center for Marketing Partnerships" booth at electronicChina 2003, where mission participants can conduct business with potential clients. Visit www.era.org.

About SEMI
Based in San Jose, Calif., SEMI is a global industry association serving more than 2,500 companies participating in the semiconductor and flat panel display equipment and materials markets. Visit www.semi.org.

Mission Statement/Calendar U.S. Microelectronics Trade Mission to Shanghai, China March 10-14, 2003