Intel Corp., the world's largest computer chip maker, will set up a research and development center in Shanghai, with an investment of US$39 million, according to a document signed Thursday.

The Intel R&D center will be built in the Waigaoqiao Free TradeZone of Pudong New District in eastern Shanghai, covering an area of 28,000 square meters, according to an investment memorandum Intel signed with a local company.

The R&D center will focus on the development of chip-related products and on customer services, said Siew Hai Wong, vice president of Intel, adding that the new research facility would provide 450 jobs at the first phase.

Since 1997, Intel has invested US$500 million to establish its largest China chip plant in Shanghai, which reported an export of US$1,500 million dollars in 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2004)