[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 12, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59316-59317]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-5577]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


United States-Egypt Business Council: Membership

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce Department.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department 
of Commerce has reestablished and will monitor the activities of the 
U.S.-Egypt Business Council. This notice announces membership 
opportunities for American business representatives on the U.S. Section 
of the Council.

DATES: In order to receive full consideration, requests must be 
received no later than: Friday, November 18, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Please send your requests for consideration to Ms. Maram 
Talaat, Egypt Desk Officer, Office of the Middle East, U.S. Department 
of Commerce either by fax on 202-482-0878 or by mail to Room H-2029B, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Ms. Maram R. Talaat, Office of the 
Middle East, Room H-2029B, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 
20230, Phone 202-482-3752.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Commerce established the 
U.S.-Egypt Presidents' Council in April 1995 as part of the U.S.-Egypt 
Partnership for Economic Growth and Development. Following their April 
2001 meeting at the White House, President Bush and Egyptian President 
Mubarak agreed to continue the Presidents' Council, and in October 2001 
the two governments agreed to rename the Council as the U.S.-Egypt 
Business Council. The purpose of the Council is to provide a forum 
through which American and Egyptian private sector representatives can 
offer advice and counsel to their respective governments that reflect 
their views, needs and concerns regarding private sector business 
development in Egypt and enhanced bilateral commercial ties. The 
Council exchanges information and encourages bilateral discussions that 
address the following areas:

--Factors that affect the growth of private sector business in both 
countries, including disincentives to trade and investment, and 
regulatory obstacles to optimal job creation and economic growth;
--Initiatives that both governments might take to promote joint private 
sector business growth in Egypt;
--Identification and promotion of business opportunities in both 
countries;
--Attracting U.S. businesses to opportunities in Egypt and serving as a 
catalyst for Egyptian private sector growth.

    The U.S. Section of the Council, chaired by the Secretary of 
Commerce, consists of up to fifteen members, all drawn from the private 
sector. They represent the diversity of American business with emphasis 
on: agribusiness and food processing, tourism, banking and insurance, 
energy, pharmaceuticals, services (such as accounting, management, 
engineering/construction), information technology, electronics and

[[Page 59317]]

other high technology industries, and manufacturing industries. Private 
sector members will serve in a representative capacity presenting the 
views and interests of their particular industry and as senior business 
representatives whose expertise on international business issues can be 
shared. Private sector members are not special government employees, 
and will receive no compensation for their participation in Council 
activities. Members participating in Council meetings and events will 
be responsible for their travel, lodging, and other personal expenses. 
Only appointed members may attend official Council meetings. Council 
members serve for three-year terms at the discretion of the Department 
of Commerce.
    In order to be eligible for membership in the U.S. section, 
potential candidates should be:

--A U.S. citizen residing in the United States, or able to travel to 
the United States to attend official Council meetings;
--The President or CEO (or comparable level of responsibility) of a 
private sector company (or, in the case of very large private sector 
companies, the head of a sizeable operating unit), or head of a non-
profit organization such as a trade or industry association that has a 
unique technical expertise and outstanding reputation; and
--Not a registered foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration 
Act of 1938, as amended.

    In reviewing eligible candidates, the Department of Commerce will 
consider such selection factors as:

--Experience and interest in the Egyptian market;
--Industry or service sector represented;
--Export/investment experience;
--Contribution to diversity based on industry sector, company size, 
location, and demographics; and
--Readiness to initiate and be responsible for activities in which the 
Business Council will be active.

    Members will be selected on the basis of who will best carry out 
the objectives of the Council as stated in the Terms of Reference 
establishing the U.S.-Egypt Business Council.
    To be considered for membership, please provide the following: name 
or names 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 or organization; export trade, investment, or international 
program experience and major markets; and a brief statement of why the 
candidate(s) should be considered for membership on the Council.

    Dated: October 4, 2005.
Cherie Loustaunau,
Director, Office of the Middle East.
 [FR Doc. E5-5577 Filed 10-11-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DA-P