The Inquirer-Home

France might bail out chip industry

Nibble Fears everything will go to Asia
Wed May 13 2009, 11:45

THE FRENCH government is thinking about giving huge wads of cash to prop up its failing chip industry, amid fears that the whole lot will up stakes and go to Asia.

State secretary for industry Luc Chatel told AFP that semiconductors are a strategic industry for France and Europe and if he didn't do something the whole lot will disappear to Asia.

In the past the EU has got quite miffed at France for propping up its computer industry. While it is not clear if the EU will like the move, it has not been happy that the industry is becoming increasingly focused in Asia. µ

Share this:

Comments
Go East(earn Europe)

West European companies should bet on newer EU countries instead going to China.

It is an easy math - relaxed business conditions (and taxes), closer (as of transportation costs), EU-proof (as of regulations), low salaries for highly educated staff.

And yes, I'm from a East European Country.

And yes, we would continue to buy French and German cars -- so there would be a mutual benefits if they invest in CEEU (Central & Eastern EU).

posted by : 66, 13 May 2009 Complain about this comment
France has a chip "industry"?

News to me!

posted by : BB, 14 May 2009 Complain about this comment
Who cares about chips

Chips are no good. France should bail out the french fry industry instead. After all, what the world do without french fries?!

posted by : French Fry Eater, 14 May 2009 Complain about this comment
Lucent Alcatel, are they French?

I think Alcatel are French. They made some buggy chips a while back, maybe they made some good ones too.

posted by : interested_party, 14 May 2009 Complain about this comment
Roulette!

Tell me! will the French be subsidising their chip makers with the proceeds from the same roulette table that Intel just lost £1.06bn from?

posted by : Anon, 14 May 2009 Complain about this comment
aboutus
Advertisement
Subscribe to INQ newsletters
Advertisement
INQ Poll

48 core processors

What would you use a 48-core processor for?