In what council officials described Tuesday as ``a breakthrough agreement,'' China has offered support for projects aimed at developing and improving communications industries across the region.

The development comes as top US officials seek closer contact with China.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell met with Chinese leaders for the first time in Beijing last week, saying the Bush administration ``wants to build forward-looking relations.'' Powell stopped over in Hawaii on his way back to Washington on Tuesday.

The Honolulu-based nonprofit telecommunications council brings together business, government and education leaders in the region. It already has some Chinese members, mainly from Hong Kong.

The Ministry of Information and Industry is seeking membership in the council and urging others in Chinese communications industries to join, PTC officials said.

Council President Eiji Hayashi of Japan and Executive Director Hoyt Zia met with Chinese Minister Wu Jichuan and other officials at the Ministry of Information and Industry. The agency is overseeing efforts to modernize China's communications industries and promote new business partnerships around the world.

Wu has been invited to give a keynote speech at the PTC's next general meeting in Honolulu in January.

``Since the talks, we already are beginning to receive more business-type applications from China,'' said Stuart Asahina, council membership and marketing director.

He said the council hopes Chinese participation will help give a better picture of communication facilities and opportunities across the country.

``We see it as tremendous for business and development in the region,'' Asahina said. ``It's opening doors.''

PTC has more than 700 members across the region, including broadcasters, carriers, regulators, lawyers, suppliers, engineers, policy-makers, consultants, researchers, government agencies, professional organizations, technologists, and academics.

(China Daily 08/01/2001)