[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 23, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 65169]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26900]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE


Determinations Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has determined 
that, as of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, the Republic of Sierra Leone will begin receiving the trade 
benefits provided for in the African Growth and Opportunity Act for 
articles other than textiles and apparel.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 23, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Constance Hamilton, Senior Director 
for African Affairs, Office of the United States Trade Representative, 
(202) 395-9514.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The African Growth and Opportunity Act 
(Title I of the Trade and Development Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-200) 
(AGOA) provides trade benefits to the countries of sub-Saharan Africa 
to promote increased trade and investment between the United States and 
sub-Saharan Africa to promote increased trade and investment between 
the United States and sub-Saharan Africa and economic development in 
the region.
    In Proclamation 7360 (Oct. 2, 2000), the President designated 
Sierra Leone as a ``beneficiary sub-Saharan African country,'' as well 
as a ``lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country,'' but 
with delayed implementation. Proclamation 7360 delegated to the USTR 
the authority to determine the effective date of the designation of 
Sierras Leone as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country, and, 
therefore, the date upon which Sierra Leone will be considered a lesser 
developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country and begin receiving 
the trade benefits of the AGOA for articles other than textiles and 
apparel. The President directed the USTR to announce any such 
determination in the Federal Register. Based on progress that Sierra 
Leone has made in stabilizing its political and security situation, I 
have determined that Sierra Leone should begin receiving the trade 
benefits of the AGOA for articles other than textiles and apparel, 
effective as of the date of the publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register. Sierra Leone may now begin the process to become 
eligible for the trade benefits of the AGOA for textile and apparel 
articles.

Robert B. Zoellick,
United States Trade Representative.
[FR Doc. 02-26900 Filed 10-22-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190-01-M