[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 23 (Friday, February 3, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 6732]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-2684]



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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation 332-358]


General Agreement on Trade in Services: Examination of Major 
Trading Partners' Schedules of Commitments

AGENCY: International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: January 26, 1995.

SUMMARY: Following receipt on January 4, 1995, of a request from the 
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission 
instituted investigation No. 332-358, General Agreement on Trade in 
Services: Examination of Major Trading Partners' Schedules of 
Commitments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONCONTACT: Information on service industries may 
be obtained from Mr. Richard Brown, Office of Industries (202-205-3438) 
and Ms. Julie Throne, Office of Industries (202-205-3390); economic 
aspects, from Mr. Joseph Flynn, Office of Economics (202-205-3251); and 
legal aspects, from Mr. William Gearhart, Office of the General Counsel 
(202-205-3091). The media should contact Ms. Margaret O'Laughlin, 
Office of Public Affairs (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: The USTR in his letter dated December 28, 1994, requested 
that the Commission, pursuant to section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 
1930, conduct an investigation to (1) examine the content of foreign 
schedules of commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in 
Services, explaining the commitments in non-technical language; and (2) 
identify the potential benefits (e.g., improved market access, national 
treatment, MFN treatment, greater regulatory transparency, etc.) and 
limitations of foreign commitments agreed upon in April 1994.
    The Commission will seek to provide such information in its report. 
As requested by the USTR, the Commission, in its examination of foreign 
schedules, will focus on sector-specific commitments pertaining to the 
following service sectors of the European Union, Japan, Canada, and 
Mexico:
     Distribution services (defined as wholesaling, retailing, 
and franchising services);
     Education services;
     Communications services (e.g., enhanced telecommunication 
services, courier services, and audiovisual services);
     Health care services;
     Professional services (e.g. accounting, engineering, 
construction, architectural, and advertising services, and lawyers);
     Transportation services (defined as rail and trucking 
services); and
     Travel and tourism.
    In addition, as requested by the USTR, the Commission will examine 
horizontal commitments regarding the temporary entry and stay of 
certain foreign workers.
    As requested by the USTR, the Commission plans to deliver its 
report to the USTR by December 15, 1995.

PUBLIC HEARING: A public hearing in connection with the investigation 
will be held at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building, 500 E 
Street SW, Washington, DC, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on June 7, 1995. All 
persons shall have the right to appear, by counsel or in person, to 
present information and to be heard. Requests to appear at the public 
hearing should be filed with the Secretary, United States International 
Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, no later than 
5:15 p.m., May 24, 1995. Any prehearing briefs (original and 14 copies) 
should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m., May 24, 1995. The deadline for 
filing posthearing briefs or statements is 5:15 p.m., June 21, 1995.
    In the event that, as of the close of business on May 24, 1995, no 
witnesses are scheduled to appear at the hearing, the hearing will be 
cancelled. Any person interested in attending the hearing as an 
observer or non-participant may call the Secretary to the Commission 
(202-205-2000) after May 24, 1995 to determine whether the hearing will 
be held.

WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS: In lieu of or in addition to participating in the 
hearing, interested parties are invited to submit written statements 
concerning the matters to be addressed by the Commission in its report 
on this investigation. Commercial or financial information that a 
submitter 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 Sec. 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 in the Office of the 
Secretary of the Commission for inspection by interested parties. To be 
assured of consideration by the Commission, written statements relating 
to the Commission's report should be submitted to the Commission at the 
earliest practical date and should be received no later than the close 
of business on June 21, 1995. All submissions should be addressed to 
the Secretary, United States International Trade Commission, 500 E 
Street SW, Washington, DC 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: January 27, 1995
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-2684 Filed 2-2-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P