[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 13429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-7142]
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation 332-362]
U.S.-Africa Trade Flows and Effects of the Uruguay Round
Agreements and U.S. Trade and Development Policy
AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Notice of opportunity to submit comments in connection with the
fourth annual report.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: March 6, 1998.
SUMMARY: Following receipt on March 31, 1995, of a letter from the
United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission instituted
investigation No. 332-362, U.S.-Africa Trade Flows and Effects of the
Uruguay Round Agreements and U.S. Trade and Development Policy (60 FR
24884). The USTR letter requested that the Commission prepare its first
annual report under this investigation not later than November 15,
1995, and provide annually thereafter for a period of 5 years. The
first report was submitted on November 15, 1995 (USITC publication 2938
issued in January 1996). The second annual report was submitted on
October 4, 1996 (USITC publication 3000 issued in October 1996). The
third annual report was submitted on October 31, 1997 (USITC
publication 3067 issued in October 1997). The fourth report will be
submitted in October 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Constance A. Hamilton, Office of
Economics (202-205-3263), or William Gearhart, Office of the General
Counsel (202-205-3091) for information on legal aspects. The media
should contact Margaret O'Laughlin, Office of External Relations (202-
205-1819). Hearing impaired individuals are advised that information on
this matter can be obtained by contacting the TDD terminal on (202-205-
1810).
Background
Section 134 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), Pub. L.
103-465, directs the President to develop a comprehensive trade and
development policy of the countries of Africa. The President is also to
report to the Congress annually over the next 5 years on the steps
taken to carry out that mandate. The Statement of Administrative Action
that was approved by the Congress with the URAA states that the
President will direct the International Trade Commission to submit
within 12 months following the enactment of the URAA into law, and
annually for the 5 years thereafter, a report providing (1) an analysis
of U.S.-African trade flows, and (2) an assessment of any effects of
the Uruguay Round Agreements, and of U.S. trade and development policy
for Africa on such trade flows.
The fourth annual report on U.S.-African trade flows and effects of
U.S. trade and development policy will contain the following
information:
1. An update of U.S.-African trade and investment flows for the
latest year available, including both overall trade and trade in the
following major sectors: agriculture, forest products, textiles and
apparel, footwear, energy, chemicals, minerals and metals,
machinery, transportation equipment, electronics technology,
miscellaneous manufactures, and services. It also requested that the
basic trade flow information be provided for U.S. trade with the
following regional trade groups: the Southern African Customs Union
(SACU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Western
African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and Common Market for
Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
2. An identification of major developments in the World Trade
Organization and in U.S. trade/economic activities which
significantly affect U.S.-Africa trade and investment flows by
sector during the last year.
3. To the extent possible, changing trade and economic
activities within African countries that have a significant impact
will be highlighted.
4. Progress in regional integration in Africa.
As requested by the USTR, the Commission will limit its study to
the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Written Submissions
The Commission does not plan to hold a public hearing in connection
with the fourth annual report. However, interested persons are invited
to submit written statements concerning the matters to be addressed in
the report. Commercial or financial information that a person desires
the Commission to treat as confidential must be submitted on separate
sheets of paper, each clearly marked ``Confidential Business
Information'' at the top. All submissions requesting confidential
treatment must conform with the requirements of section 201.6 of the
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All
written submissions, except for confidential business information, will
be made available for inspection by interested persons in the Office of
the Secretary to the Commission. To be assured of consideration by the
Commission, written statements relating to the Commission's report
should be submitted at the earliest practical date and should be
received not later than Friday, June 19, 1998. All submissions should
be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20436.
Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance
in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the
Secretary at 202-205-2000.
By order of the Commission.
Issued: March 10, 1998.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-7142 Filed 3-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P
