(Yicai Global) March 11 -- The China Semiconductor Industry Association and the Semiconductor Industry Association, its US counterpart, have agreed to set up a working group on semiconductor technologies and trade restrictions.

The two associations hope to strengthen communication and promote deeper mutual understanding and trust between the two countries, the Beijing-based CSIA said on its website today.

The working group will establish an information-sharing mechanism for the semiconductor industries in both countries to communicate on issues such as export controls, encryption and supply chain security technologies and trade restrictions.

The group will address the concerns of Chinese and American firms through dialogue and cooperation in accordance with fair competition, intellectual property protection and global trade rules, the CSIA said. Based on areas of mutual concern, the group will also work out policy proposals and identify areas for further research.

Each side will appoint 10 members each. The group will meet twice a year, with the first meeting due to be convened online.

Founded in 1990, the CSIA has 774 members, including ZTE, SMIC, Infineon Technologies China, TSMC China, the National Key Laboratory of Application Specific Integrated Circuit and System of Fudan University, and the Institute of Microelectronics at Tsinghua University.

Editor: Peter Thomas