China, World Bank launch new distance learning center in Shanghai

Emerging Markets Economy, Jul 28, 2004

China and the World Bank Tuesday launched a new distance learning center in Shanghai hosted and managed in partnership with the Shanghai National Accounting Institute (SNAI). This brings the number of distance learning centers in China to a total of seven -- and there are 7 more underway.

Most of the centers in China are located in the poorer western provinces and aim to help development and poverty reduction in those areas using information technology to promote distance education and training as well as information and knowledge dissemination. Such an initiative is particularly important as China is rapidly evolving to a position of leadership and influence as a knowledge provider.

SNAI is a Chinese government-sponsored institute, affiliated with the Ministry of Finance, and provides extensive training in accountancy, management and finance to CPAs and CFOs. SNAI trains 20,000 people annually and runs a pioneering on-line project supported by the Ministry of Finance to provide accountants and financial professionals with distance education. SNAI has reached over 100,000 people since June 2004 providing e-learning programs and learning support through its website-- www.esnai.net.