Import investigations: Africa trade flows and effects of Uruguay Round Agreements and U.S. trade and development policy,

[Federal Register: March 19, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 53)]

[Notices]

[Page 13429]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr19mr98-95]

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.

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. 98-7142Filed3-18-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7020-02-P