Committees; establishment, renewal, termination, etc.: Palestinian Business Advisory Group,

[Federal Register: December 6, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 233)]

[Notices]

[Page 68081-68082]

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

[DOCID:fr06de99-34]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

United States-Palestinian Business Advisory Group: Membership

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of membership opportunity.

SUMMARY: In February 1999, the U.S.-Palestinian Bilateral Committee agreed to establish the United States-Palestinian Business Advisory Group. A notice was published June 17, 1999/Volume 64, Number 116, Page 32486 and the Group was selected consisting of ten American and ten Palestinian representatives. Both sides have now determined to enlarge the Group. This notice announces membership opportunities for American business representatives on the U.S. side of the Group.

DATES: In order to receive full consideration, requests must be received on or before January 5, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Please send your requests for consideration to Paul Thanos, Desk Officer, Office of the Near East, U.S. Department of Commerce, either by fax at (202) 482-0878 or by mail to Room 2029B, U.S. Department of Commerce. 14th and Constitution, NW, Washington DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Thanos, Desk Officer, Office of the Near East, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 2029B, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20230, Phone 202-482-1857.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S.-Palestinian Bilateral Committee agreed at its February 16, 1999 meeting to establish a private sector- led business advisory group to provide input to the subcommittee on Trade and Investment. This advisory group, to be named the United States-Palestinian Business Advisory Group (USPBAG)--will make recommendations that reflect private sector views, needs, and concerns regarding business development in the West Bank and Gaza and commercial ties between Americans and Palestinians. The USPBAG will advise the Trade and Investment Subcommittee on the following areas:

‹bullet› Initiatives that can be taken to promote economic activity between American and Palestinian businesses.

‹bullet› Palestinian commercial and investment laws.

‹bullet› Palestinian and U.S. trade policies.

‹bullet› Palestinian economic policies and their impact on the business climate.

The USPBAG is comprised of two sections, an American section and a Palestinian section. Each section now has ten members, with members serving two year terms. The Group has yet to convene, and both sides have now agreed to expand membership by up to five on each side.

The members of each section will, to the extent possible, represent diverse commercial sectors. Priority sectors include: agribusiness and food processing; banking communications; engineering and construction; information technology; insurance; manufacturing; power generation; restaurant and hospitality; tourism; and software, music, video production, textiles, and retailing. The State Department will appoint members in consultation with the Commerce Department.

Private sector members will serve in a representative capacity presenting the views and interests of their particular industry. Private sector members are not special government employees. U.S. members serve at the discretion of the Secretary of State. Members will not receive compensation for their participation in USPBAG activities. Members participating in USPBAG meetings and events will be responsible for their own travel, living, and other personal expenses.

In order to be eligible for membership in the U.S. section, a potential candidate must be:

‹bullet› A U.S. citizen residing in the United States.

‹bullet› A holder of a significant position in a private sector company that has a unique technical expertise and outstanding reputation.

‹bullet› Not a registered foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended.

In reviewing eligible candidates, the Department of State and Department of

[[Page 68082]]

Commerce will consider such selection factors as:

‹bullet› Experience and interest in the West Bank and Gaza markets.

‹bullet› Industry or service sector represented.

‹bullet› Export/investment experience.

To be considered for membership, please provide the following: name(s) and title(s) of the individual(s) requesting consideration; name and address of the company or organization sponsoring each individual; company's product, service, or technical expertise; size of the company; export trade, investment, or international program experience and major markets; and a brief statement of why the candidate(s) should be considered for membership in the USPBAG.

Dated: November 30, 1999. Thomas R. Parker, Director, Office of the Near East.

[FR Doc. 99-31448Filed12-3-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-25-P