A nuclear-power company which will mainly be in charge of using advanced foreign technology and indigenous development was officially launched yesterday.

State Nuclear Power Technology Corp Ltd (SNPTC) - the preparation for whose establishment began more than two years ago - is close to completing a deal with US-based Westinghouse Electric Co to build third-generation nuclear power generators, said Wang Binghua, president of the company.

"We expect to sign an agreement with Westinghouse next month," he said.