AEA Washington Applauds U.S. House Passage Of China-PNTR Legislation.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2000

The following statement should be attributed to Terry Byington,

Executive Director, AEA Washington Council

"AEA Washington enthusiastically applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for granting China permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR). This is truly a vote of momentous proportions that will not only benefit high-tech businesses and workers, but redound to the benefit of the U.S. economy for decades to come. Here in Washington State, PNTR will engender more high-tech export and job opportunities. The long-term potential of PNTR should not be understated. Enactment of PNTR ensures that Washington's businesses and workers will -- for the first time -- have fair access to the world's biggest market."

The American Electronics Association (AEA) is the nation's largest high-tech trade group, representing more than 3,000 U.S.-based technology companies. Membership spans the industry product and service spectrum, from semiconductors and software to computers, Internet and telecommunications systems and services. With 17 regional U.S. councils and offices in Brussels, Tokyo and Beijing, AEA offers a unique global policy grassroots capability and a wide portfolio of valuable business services and products for the high-tech industry. For 57 years, AEA has been the accepted voice of the U.S. technology community.