With computer shipments picking up notably, Intel CEO Paul Otellini has expressed the opinion that the recession-hit PC industry making a turnaround for the better, and that PC unit sales for the year will be "flat to slightly up," thereby marking the end of their decline.

While delivering a keynote speech at the Intel Developer Forum trade show in San Francisco, Otellini said that chip shipments are showing signs of stability as PC shipments are beginning to increase.

He added that the recovery will augment the sales figures of Intel, the well-known maker of the chips that power most PCs.

In his address to the technology developers, Otellini said: "This is an environment where we have had the worst recession in 70 years. The market is poised for resurgence and we will see how 2010 plays out. I think the PC industry is more than resilient, it's amazing!"

Otellini's remarks have come in the wake of earlier forecasts that projected a substantial drop in unit PC sales this year, and some present expectations of a slight decline.

Meanwhile, promote the use of Intel chips outside computer markets, the chip maker announced at the forum its endeavors to help chip customers establish their own clearinghouses for distributing programs for various gadgets. The attempt is aimed at broadening the appeal of Intel's 'Atom' chip, mostly used in the netbooks!