International TradeNewsletter - April 12, 2002
In this Issue...
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Seeks Public Comments
April 12, 2002
- WTO Accession. The USTR is seeking written comments on U.S. commercial interests and other
issues related to the accession of 23 countries to the World Trade Organization
(WTO). The countries are: Algeria, Andorra, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Cambodia, Cape Verde, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia, Nepal, Samoa, the Seychelles, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tonga, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen and
Yugoslavia. Public comments should include, but not be limited to, information
concerning those countries' current trade policies and practices, which affect
market access for U.S. exports, e.g., tariffs and non-tariff measures; trade and
investment in services; other aspects of the trade regime affecting U.S. trade
interests subject to WTO provisions; and other conditions or practices that
impair the ability of these countries to grant the benefit of WTO provisions to
their trading partners. Comments received will be considered in developing U.S.
positions and objectives for the multilateral and bilateral negotiations that
will determine the terms of the countries’ accession. Comments should be
received by noon on Wednesday, May 15, 2002, and should be submitted to:
Gloria Blue, Executive Secretary, TPSC, Office of the USTR, 1724 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20508, Attention: Office of
WTO and Multilateral Affairs. For further information visit
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-6865-filed.
- WTO Consultations with Japan. The USTR is
providing notice that on March 1, 2002, the United States requested World Trade Organization (WTO) consultations with
Japan regarding measures imposed by Japan on the importation of U.S. apples to protect against the introduction of fire
blight. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues
raised in this dispute. Although the USTR will accept any comments received
during the course of the dispute settlement proceedings, comments should be
submitted on or before April 30, 2002, to be assured of timely consideration by
Comments should be submitted (i) electronically to japanapples@ustr.gov
or (ii) by mail to Sandy McKinzy, Attn: Japan--Measures Affecting the Importation of Apples, Office of
the United States Trade Representative, 600 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20508, with a confirmation copy sent electronically or by fax to 202-395-3640.
For more information visit
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-7736-filed.
- Formation of a U.S.-Europe Mutual Recognition Agreement.
The USTR seeks public comment on the desirability of negotiating a mutual recognition agreement
(MRA) with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. These countries are members of
the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and part of the European Economic
Area. The proposed MRA would parallel the provisions of the 1998 US-EU MRA, but
would be restricted to sectoral annexes on telecommunications equipment,
electromagnetic compatibility and recreational craft. Comments are due by
Friday, May 3, 2002. For more information, visit
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-7373-filed.