Date:05/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/05/stories/2005120503311500.htm

National

Intel chief calls on Dayanidhi Maran

Special Correspondent

``Interesting announcements soon''

CHENNAI: Intel Chairman Craig Barrett met the Union Communications and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran here on Sunday.

After an hour-long meeting, when presspersons asked Mr. Barrett if Intel was setting up a facility in India, he said: "Gentlemen, it is Sunday afternoon."

When the question was posed to Mr. Maran, he said that this was a courtesy visit. Since Mr. Maran would not be in New Delhi on Monday, Mr. Barrett visited him here. "We have had open discussions. Any future plans will be announced by Intel... I think some interesting announcements will come from Intel tomorrow evening."

Mr. Maran said he told Intel that it should look at India for further investment. "There is nothing concrete at the moment... Mr. Berrett is here. He is serious about India. Intel is serious about India."

On Intel's request for support from the Government on an assembly test plan project, he said discussions on that part were not over. "We are going to renew our talks and discussions. At this time, I will say it is too early for us to comment on anything."