ACTION: Institution of investigation
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 22, 1997
SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on January 15, 1997, from the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission instituted investigation No. 332-377, Program to Maintain Investment Restrictions Database, under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information specific to the investigation may be obtained from Mr. Richard Brown (202-205-3438) or Mr. Patrick Coleman (202-205-3459). For information on the legal aspects of this investigation, contact Mr. William Gearhart of the Commission's Office of the General Counsel (202-205-3091). Hearing impaired individuals are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the TDD terminal (202-205-1810).
BACKGROUND: As requested by the USTR in a letter dated January 8, 1997, the Commission, pursuant to section 332 (g) of the Tariff Act of 1930, instituted an investigation for the purpose of developing a database that identifies and provides pertinent information regarding foreign investment restrictions. The USTR's letter stated that the database would assist USTR in assessing the value of commitments undertaken by other countries and reporting on the final outcome of negotiations currently underway to develop a multilateral agreement on investment (MAI) within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The USTR requested that the Commission provide an initial listing of investment restrictions by January 31, 1997, and provide further iterations of the document as interagency input and the results of ongoing negotiations are incorporated. USTR indicated that all or part of the database may be classified as confidential.
By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke
Secretary
Issued: January 23, 1997