Agreement will Help Cisco Expand Customer Networks Worldwide
SAN JOSE, Calif. - December 13, 1996 - Cisco Systems, Inc. todayannounced its support for an accord on information technology reachedat a meeting in Singapore of the World Trade Organization.
The Information Technology Agreement - known as the ITA - is afar-reaching pact to eliminate tariffs on information technologyproducts, including data networking and telecommunications equipment,by the year 2000.
The agreement is designed to benefit corporations, governments andconsumers worldwide that use information technology by removing the taxon information technology trade.
"This agreement will enable Cisco, as a key exporter of informationtechnology, to expand its customers' information networks worldwide,"said John Chambers, president and CEO of Cisco Systems. "While theagreement sets a target date of 2000 for tariff elimination on coveredproducts, we look forward to seeing tariffs eliminated on many productswell before that date."
Most of the countries responsible for the bulk of world trade ininformation technology already have embraced the agreement, whileadditional countries are being encouraged to sign the accord in thecoming weeks.
"As world trade officials turn their attention to implementing theaccord, we will continue to work closely with them to achieve thefastest possible elimination of tariffs - particularly in the datanetworking and telecommunications product sectors," Chambers said.
"We congratulate U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky and hernegotiating team for their leadership, resolve and extensive work onthis landmark agreement," he added. "We also extend our congratulationsto the World Trade Organization ministers and to Prime Minister Goh,who hosted this successful event."
About Cisco
Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the leading globalsupplier of enterpriseinternetworking solutions,including routers, LAN and ATM switches, dial-upaccess servers and network management software. These products, integratedby theCisco IOS and Cisco Systems are trademarks, and Cisco and the Ciscologo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. All othertrademarks, service marks, registered trademarks or registered servicemarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respectiveowners.
Copyright ) 1996 Cisco Systems Inc. All rights reserved.
