[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]

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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