[Federal Register: March 5, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 43)] [Notices] [Page 10621-10622] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr05mr99-31] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration U.S.-China Housing Initiative AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of opportunity to apply to serve on the U.S.-China Residential Building Council. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S.-China Housing Initiative was designed to facilitate a U.S. opportunity to meet emerging Chinese housing market demands. To guide and support the U.S.-China Housing Initiative, President Clinton announced the formation of the U.S.-China Residential Building Council during the U.S. China Presidential Summit in June of last year. Since that announcement, U.S. and Chinese officials have agreed on a structure for the Council and on the mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. The Departments of Commerce and Housing and Urban Development are seeking individuals who would like to serve on the U.S.-China Residential Building Council. Applicants may represent associations or non-governmental organizations prominent in the housing industry, or U.S. companies who are interested in the expansion of U.S. housing-related commercial interests in China. The Council will be made up of U.S. and Chinese representatives from the construction and housing policy sectors. Individual Council members will generally concentrate their efforts on one of the two sectors. The work of the Council will focus on activities which will assist China in developing a residential housing industry, residential construction and rehabilitation, and a housing finance system. The Council will be led by a Steering Committee with Secretary of Commerce William Daley and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Andrew Cuomo, as the co-chairs. China's Minister of Construction, Yu Zhengsheng, will represent China. DATES: In order to receive full consideration, requests must be received no later than May 7, 1999. [[Page 10622]] ADDRESSES: Please send your requests for consideration to U.S.-China Residential Building Council, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 4039, 14th and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20230. You may fax your request to (202) 482-0382. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Reiley, Director, Office of Metals Materials, and Chemicals, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 4039, 14th and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20230, (202) 482-0575 telephone, (202) 482-0382 fax. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Members will serve on the Council for a two- year term at the discretion of the Secretaries. Members are expected to participate fully in defining the agenda for the Initiative and in implementing its work programs. It is expected that individuals chosen for the Council will attend at least 75 percent of Council meetings which will be held in the United States and China. Members are fully responsible for travel, accommodation, and personal expenses associated with their participation in the Residential Building Council. The members will serve in a representative capacity presenting the views and interests of the particular business or housing sector in which they operate. The U.S.-China Residential Building Council encourages the development of a housing industry in China and increased bilateral trade and investment including, but not limited to, the following: Implementing trade/business development and promotion programs including trade missions, technical assistance, conferences, exhibits, seminars and other events; and Adopting sectoral or project oriented approaches to support China's residential housing reform efforts. Implementing housing finance, planning, design, and building technology seminars and technical exchange to support reform efforts. Selection There are twelve available positions on the U.S. side of the Residential Business Council. This notice is seeking individuals to fill all twelve positions. The number of Council positions may be expanded, should the need arise. Eligibility requirements. Applicants must: Be a U.S. citizen residing in the United States or a permanent United States resident; Be a CEO or other senior management employee of a U.S. company or association involved in the residential housing construction, supply, finance, or community planning sectors; Not be a registered foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938. In reviewing eligible applicants, the Commerce Department, in consultation with HUD, will consider: The applicant's expertise in either construction building materials or housing policy and development; Readiness to initiate and be responsible for the activities the Council proposes to take on; An ability to contribute in light of overall Council composition; Diversity of company size, type, location, and demographics. To be considered for membership, please provide the following: name and title of the individual requesting consideration; name and address of the company or association that the individual will represent; the specific product or service line; size of the company; and export expertise and major markets. Please also provide a brief statement on why each candidate should be considered for membership on the Council; the particular segment of the business community each candidate would represent; a personal resume; and a statement that the applicant is not a registered foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1512. Dated: February 23, 1999. Robert Reiley, Director, Office of Metals, Materials and Chemicals. [FR Doc. 99-5507 Filed 3-4-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P