[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 131 (Monday, July 8, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35814-35815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-17188]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation 332-362]


Second Annual Report on 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 
second annual report.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: June 28, 1996.

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 an update of the report annually thereafter for a 
period of 4 years. A report was submitted on November 15, 1995 (USITC 
publication 2938 issued in January 1996). The USTR, in a letter 
received June 11, 1996, set out instructions for the second annual 
report and requested that it be submitted by October 4, 1996.

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cathy Jabara, Office of Industries (202-
205-3309) or Jean Harman, Office of Industries (2o2-205-3313), 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), 
P.L. 103-465, directs the President to develop a comprehensive trade 
and development policy for 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 enactment of the URAA into law, and annually 
for the 4 years thereafter, a report providing (1) an analysis of U.S.-
Africa trade flows, and (2) an assessment of any effects of the Uruguay 
Round Agreements, and of

[[Page 35815]]

U.S. trade and development policy for Africa, on such trade flows.
    The USTR requested that the second annual report on U.S.-Africa 
trade flows and effects of U.S. trade and development policy contain 
the following information:
    1. An update of U.S.-Africa trade and investment flows for the 
latest year available including both overall trade and in the following 
major sectors: agriculture, forest products, textiles and apparel, 
footwear, energy, chemicals, minerals and metals, machinery, 
transportation equipment, electronics technology, miscellaneous 
manufacturers, and services. It is also requested that 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)
    --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 
latest year. Similarly, to the extent possible, changing trade and 
economic activities within African countries that have a significant 
impact should be highlighted.
    3. 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 second 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 party 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 no later than August 
1, 1996. 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.

    Issued: July 1, 1996.

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 96-17188 Filed 7-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P