[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 48 (Friday, March 12, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12353-12354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6158]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation No. 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 
fifth annual report.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: March 8, 1999.

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 F.R. 
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 total of five years. 
Following receipt on June 11, 1996, of a letter from USTR providing 
instruction for additional reports, the Commission submitted the second 
annual report on October 4, 1996 (USITC publication 3000), the third on 
October 31, 1997 (USITC publication 3067), and the fourth report on 
October

[[Page 12354]]

31, 1998 (USITC publication 3139). The fifth and final report in this 
series will be submitted in October 1999.

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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 134 of the Uruguay Round agreements Act (URAA), PL. 103-
465, directed the President to develop a comprehensive trade and 
development policy of the countries of Africa and 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 provided for the President to direct the 
ITC 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 fifth 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/ 
apparel/footwear, energy, chemicals, minerals and metals, machinery, 
transportation equipment, electronics technology, miscellaneous 
manufactures, and services. Trade flow will also be provided for U.S. 
trade with the following regional groups: the Economic Community of 
West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Customs Union 
(SACU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Western 
African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), the Common Market for 
Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Tripartite Commission for 
East African Co-operation (EAC), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and 
the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
    2. An identification of major developments in the WTO and in U.S. 
trade/economic activities which significantly affect U.S.-African trade 
and investment flows by sector during the latest year.
    3. To the extent possible, an identification of changing trade and 
economic activities within African countries.
    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 this report. However, interested persons are invited to submit 
written statements concerning 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 statements, 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, 
written statements relating to the Commission's report should be 
submitted at the earliest possible date and should be received not 
later than June 21, 1999. All submissions should be addressed to the 
Secretary, United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street 
SW, Washington, D.C. 20436. The Secretary will not accept a document 
for filing without a certificate of service.
    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 9, 1999.
Donna R. Koehnke
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-6158 Filed 3-11-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P