[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 116 (Thursday, June 17, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 32486]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15450]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


United States-Palestinian Business Advisory Group: Membership

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of membership opportunity.

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SUMMARY: In February 1999, the U.S.-Palestinian Bilateral Committee 
agreed to establish the United States-Palestinian Business Advisory 
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 July 19, 1999.

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:

 Initiatives that can be taken to promote economic activity 
between American and Palestinian
 Palestinian commercial and investment laws
 Palestinian and U.S. trade policies
 Palestinian economic policies and their impact on the business 
climate

    The USPBAG will be comprised of two sections, an American section 
and a Palestinian section. Each section will have ten members. Members 
will serve two year terms.
    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, and video 
production. 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:

 A U.S. citizen residing in the United States
 A holder of a significant position in a private sector company 
or non-profit organization that has a unique technical expertise and 
outstanding reputation
 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 Commerce will consider such selection factors as:

 Experience and interest in the West Bank and Gaza markets
 Industry or service sector represented
 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: June 14, 1999.
Thomas R. Parker,
Director, Office of the Near East.
[FR Doc. 99-15450 Filed 6-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-25-P