[Federal Register: September 20, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 183)]
[Notices]
[Page 59312-59313]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20se02-122]
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Inv. Nos. TA-131-21 and TA-2104-1]
U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement: Advice Concerning the Probable
Economic Effect
AGENCY: International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.
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EFFECTIVE DATE: September 13, 2002.
SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on August 30, 2002, from the
United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission instituted
investigation Nos. TA-131-21 and TA-2104-1, U.S.-Morocco Free Trade
Agreement: Advice Concerning the Probable Economic Effect, under
section 131 of the Trade
[[Page 59313]]
Act of 1974 and section 2104(b)(2) of the Trade Act of 2002.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information specific to this
investigation may be obtained from Michelle Vaca-Senecal, Project
Leader (202-205-3356; mvaca-senec@usitc.gov), Heather Sykes, Deputy
Project Leader (202-205-3436; hsykes@usitc.gov), or Ralph Watkins,
Chief, Miscellaneous Manufactures Branch (202-205-3492,
watkins@usitc.gov), Office of Industries, U.S. International Trade
Commission, Washington, DC 20436. For information on the legal aspects
of this investigation, contact William Gearhart of the Office of the
General Counsel (202-205-3091; wgearhart@usitc.gov). Hearing impaired
individuals are advised that information on this matter can be obtained
by contacting the TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810.
Background
As requested by the USTR pursuant to section 131 of the Trade Act
of 1974, in its report the Commission will provide advice as to the
probable economic effect of duty-free treatment for imports of products
of Morocco (i) on industries in the United States producing like or
directly competitive products, and (ii) on consumers. The import
analysis will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for which U.S. tariffs
will remain after the United States fully implements its Uruguay Round
tariff commitments. The import advice will be based on the 2002
Harmonized Tariff System nomenclature and 2001 trade data. The advice
with respect to the removal of U.S. duties on imports from Morocco will
assume that any known U.S. non-tariff barrier will not be applicable to
such imports. The Commission will note in its report any instance in
which the continued application of a U.S. non-tariff barrier to such
imports would result in different advice with respect to the effect of
the removal of the duty. In addition, pursuant to section 2104(b)(2) of
the Trade Act of 2002, the Commission will provide advice as to the
probable economic effect of eliminating tariffs on imports of those
agricultural products of Morocco (a list of products was provided by
USTR) on (i) industries in the United States producing like or directly
competitive products and (ii) the economy as a whole. The Commission
expects to provide its report to USTR by November 28, 2002.
Public Hearing
A public hearing in connection with this investigation will be held
at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building, 500 E Street SW,
Washington, DC, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on October 10, 2002. All persons
shall have the right to appear, by counsel or in person, to present
information and to be heard. Requests to appear at the public hearing
should be filed with the Secretary, United States International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, no later than 5:15
p.m., September 24, 2002. Any prehearing briefs (original and 14
copies) should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m., September 27, 2002;
the deadline for filing post-hearing briefs or statements is 5:15 p.m.,
October 16, 2002. In the event that, as of the close of business on
September 24, 2002, no witnesses are scheduled to appear at the
hearing, the hearing will be canceled. Any person interested in
attending the hearing as an observer or non-participant may call the
Secretary to the Commission (202-205-1806) after September 24, 2002,
for information concerning whether the hearing will be held.
Written Submissions
In lieu of or in addition to participating in the hearing,
interested parties are invited to submit written statements (original
and 14 copies) concerning the matters to be addressed by the Commission
in its report on this investigation. Commercial or financial
information that a submitter desires the Commission to treat as
confidential must be submitted on separate sheets of paper, each
clearly marked ``Confidential Business Information'' at the top. All
submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the
requirements of Sec. 201.6 of the Commission's rules of practice and
procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All written submissions, except for
confidential business information, will be made available in the Office
of the Secretary to the Commission for inspection by interested
parties. The Commission may include such confidential business
information in the report it sends to the USTR. To be assured of
consideration by the Commission, written statements relating to the
Commission's report should be submitted to the Commission at the
earliest practical date and should be received no later than the close
of business on October 16, 2002. 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 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).
List of Subjects
Morocco, tariffs and imports.
Issued: September 16, 2002.
By order of the Commission.
Marilyn R. Abbott,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 02-23912 Filed 9-19-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P