[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 12, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 77672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-31712]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION


U. S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement: Potential Trade and 
Economic Effects (Inv. No. 332-422)

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation and notice of opportunity to 
submit comments

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EFFECTIVE DATE: December 6, 2000.
SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on November 27, 2000, from the 
United States Trade Representative (USTR), pursuant to authority under 
section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930, the Commission instituted 
investigation No. 332-422, U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement: 
Potential Trade and Economic Effects.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arona Butcher (202-205-3255), Office 
of Economics; or William Gearhart of the Office of the General Counsel 
(202-205-3091) for information on the legal aspects of this 
investigation. 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 requested that the Commission conduct an investigation and 
provide advice as to the economic impact of a U.S.-Singapore FTA. As 
requested by USTR, the Commission's report on the investigation will 
include the following:
     A concise description of the Singapore economy, patterns 
of trade with the United States and other major trade partners, and the 
tariff and investment relationship between the United States and 
Singapore.
     A quantitative analysis of the likely trade and economic 
impact of a United States-Singapore FTA by sector.
     A supplementary qualitative analysis of the impact of the 
U.S.-Singapore FTA on product sectors to be identified by USTR.
     A discussion of potential trade and economic effects of 
the elimination of barriers to trade in services under the United 
States-Singapore FTA.
     A discussion of potential trade and economic effects of 
changes in intellectual property rights regimes under the United 
States-Singapore FTA.
     A discussion of potential trade and economic effects of 
changes in rules concerning foreign direct investment under the United 
States-Singapore FTA.
    The Commission plans to submit its report, U.S.-Singapore Free 
Trade Agreement: Potential Trade and Economic Effects on January 12, 
2001. USTR indicated that portions of the report will be classified as 
confidential.

Written Submissions

     The Commission does not plan to hold a public hearing in 
connection with this investigation. 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. The Commission's Rules do not authorize 
filing of submissions with the Secretary by facsimile or electronic 
means. All written submissions must conform with the provisions of 
section 201.8 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 
CFR 201.8). All submissions requesting confidential treatment must 
conform with the requirements of Sec. 201.6 of the Commission's Rules 
(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 December 20, 2000. All 
submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, United States 
International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW, Washington DC 20436. 
The Commission's rules do not authorize filing of submissions with the 
Secretary by facsimile or electronic means.
    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. General information concerning the 
Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server 
(http://www.usitc.gov).

    Issued: December 7, 2000.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-31712 Filed 12-11-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7000-02-P