Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : Booms, Busts, and Recoveries -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TobagoJack who wrote (37528)	8/28/2003 9:05:29 AM
From: Si_Detective	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 74559

Jay, did you talk to Craig Barrett lately? :) BEIJING (Dow Jones)--The chief executive officer of chipmaker Intel Corp. (INTC), Craig Barrett, said he fears a re-emergence of the SARS virus in China this autumn could seriously hurt the country's economy. He made the comment at a news briefing Wednesday about Intel's plan to spend $200 million building a chip-assembly and testing facility in the inland city of Chengdu, Sichuan province. A second phase with a capital investment of $175 million is also planned. "I have a concern that it could happen this fall (autumn)," Barrett said about a return of the potentially deadly flu-like illness. "If there were a bigger outbreak of SARS, it could (have) a very negative impact, but we'll just have to wait and see." Intel's concerns echo those of health experts who caution a new outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome could coincide with China's usual flu season in October and November, or in the spring of 2004. China's SARS outbreak earlier this year, which spread worldwide from the country's southern province of Guangzhou, peaked in May before being contained in June. Though it pummeled China's retail service sector as fears of contagion kept the public away from restaurants and shops, Barrett said Intel's manufacturing facilities in the country weren't affected. China's macroeconomic indicators have shown a healthy rebound from the impact of SARS, but a senior National Bureau of Statistics official warned last month of a possible lag effect on exports in the second half of 2003. Regarding the company's new facility, Barrett said Intel had been offered good economic incentives to invest in Chengdu, but declined to elaborate. "We looked at several cities and just found Chengdu a good place to do business... with strong educational ethics, a good solid work force and a local and provincial government that are excited to have business," he said. -By Phelim Kyne, Dow Jones Newswires; 8610 6588-5848; Phelim.kyne@dowjones.com -With Victoria Ruan, Dow Jones Newswires, 8610 6588-5848; djnews.beijing@dowjones.com