[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 233 (Monday, December 6, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68081-68082]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31448]


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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. A notice was published June 17, 1999/Volume 64, Number 116, Page 
32486 and the Group was selected consisting of ten American and ten 
Palestinian representatives. Both sides have now determined to enlarge 
the 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 January 5, 2000.

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 businesses.
     Palestinian commercial and investment laws.
     Palestinian and U.S. trade policies.
     Palestinian economic policies and their impact on the 
business climate.
    The USPBAG is comprised of two sections, an American section and a 
Palestinian section. Each section now has ten members, with members 
serving two year terms. The Group has yet to convene, and both sides 
have now agreed to expand membership by up to five on each side.
    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, video 
production, textiles, and retailing. 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 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

[[Page 68082]]

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: November 30, 1999.
Thomas R. Parker,
Director, Office of the Near East.
[FR Doc. 99-31448 Filed 12-3-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-25-P