The joint initiative will focus on Chinese companies with strong growth potential who are deploying innovative technologies in a range of market segments, including information technology and communications, green technology, education and healthcare, and other priority areas that underpin China’s long-term sustainable growth.

John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco, said: Cisco has a long track record of driving IT market growth through investment in the innovation economy. By collaborating with the CBD – the key policy bank driving China’s market-led and balanced development initiatives – we believe we can make a meaningful impact to support high growth companies in China that are supporting sustainable long-term development.