[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 48 (Friday, March 12, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12353-12354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6158]
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 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
fifth annual report.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: March 8, 1999.
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 F.R.
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 total of five years.
Following receipt on June 11, 1996, of a letter from USTR providing
instruction for additional reports, the Commission submitted the second
annual report on October 4, 1996 (USITC publication 3000), the third on
October 31, 1997 (USITC publication 3067), and the fourth report on
October
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31, 1998 (USITC publication 3139). The fifth and final report in this
series will be submitted in October 1999.
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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Section 134 of the Uruguay Round agreements Act (URAA), PL. 103-
465, directed the President to develop a comprehensive trade and
development policy of the countries of Africa and 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 provided for the President to direct the
ITC 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 fifth 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/
apparel/footwear, energy, chemicals, minerals and metals, machinery,
transportation equipment, electronics technology, miscellaneous
manufactures, and services. Trade flow will also be provided for U.S.
trade with the following regional groups: the Economic Community of
West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Customs Union
(SACU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Western
African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), the Common Market for
Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Tripartite Commission for
East African Co-operation (EAC), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and
the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
2. An identification of major developments in the WTO and in U.S.
trade/economic activities which significantly affect U.S.-African trade
and investment flows by sector during the latest year.
3. To the extent possible, an identification of changing trade and
economic activities within African countries.
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 this report. However, interested persons are invited to submit
written statements concerning 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 statements, 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,
written statements relating to the Commission's report should be
submitted at the earliest possible date and should be received not
later than June 21, 1999. All submissions should be addressed to the
Secretary, United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street
SW, Washington, D.C. 20436. The Secretary will not accept a document
for filing without a certificate of service.
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 9, 1999.
Donna R. Koehnke
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-6158 Filed 3-11-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P