The China-initiated and -led APEC HCBP, a three-year Internet-based project, incorporates key elements of the highly successful Cisco Networking Academy Program.

   Launched by President Jiang Zemin of China at the APEC leaders meeting in Shanghai on October 21, HCBP's goal is to ensure that developing APEC countries enjoy the benefits and meet the challenges of the new economy. The program's theme is New Economy, New Strategy: Cooperation and Innovation to Build Human Capacity for Common Prosperity.

   Cisco China President Jia-bin Duh said: "Cisco is committed to helping governments around the region bridge the 'digital divide'. This commitment, underlined in our Cisco Networking Academy Program, the largest e-learning laboratory in the world, will be strengthened through our participation in the HCBP. This initiative by APEC is a strong endorsement of the importance of the Internet and the role that it will play in the regional and global economy."

   A key component of the HCBP program is free online training for 1,500 people to produce highly- skilled experts in networking technology. Two Cisco programs were selected, among the four chosen by the project,from a list of the world's most highly regarded international IT training programs. The Cisco programs matched the aims of HCBP closely because they are based on e-learning and develop fundamental knowledge in Internet and networking technologies.  

   "We are tremendously excited about our involvement in HCBP. The Internet and education are the two great equalizers in life and will be the lynchpins for any economy. Making these available on an e-learning platform creates more opportunities for the less privileged and levels the playing field for them. Cisco believes that these "digital opportunities" should be available to as many people as possible," Mr. Duh added. 

   The programs to be conducted through the Cisco Networking Academy Program are:

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional
   The CCNA certification holder will have a foundation in, and apprentice knowledge of, networking for the small office/home office (SOHO) market. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer).

   The CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional) indicates advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks. With a CCNP, a network professional can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN and dial access services for organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes. 

The HCBP is an Internet based, three-year project, which aims to:

Promote human capacity building in APEC member economies in response
to the unprecedented opportunities and challenges brought about by the
new economy and rapid technological advancement
Demonstrate tripartite cooperation of government-business-academia in
online training to develop the expertise required in the new economy
particularly in developing countries within APEC
Facilitate Internet learning by developing a virtual classroom, to
enable more people to enjoy the benefits of the new economy.