SAN JOSE, Calif. -- June 15, 1998 -- Cisco Systems, Inc. today praised the decision by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers to begin mutual recognition procedures for approving imports of telecommunication equipment.

The Mutual Recognition Arrangement, agreed to by the ministers in Singapore on June 4, is intended to promote consistency between Asian nations on the methods used to assess and approve telecommunications equipment, according to each economy's specific technical regulations.

"Free trade and open access to markets are a cornerstone of the Internet Economy," said John T. Chambers, president and CEO of Cisco. "The APEC arrangement is an important step in making it easier for suppliers of communications equipment to serve customers throughout Asia."

Chambers added, "We are grateful to U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky for leading U.S. participation in the negotiations that led to this agreement. We are particularly pleased that the arrangement covers all forms of communications equipment, including data, voice and wireless. Enhanced trade in equipment for integrated date-voice-video networks will help people, companies and countries in Asia benefit from the Internet Revolution."

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