June 2003 News

Secretary Evans Describes Commerce Department Efforts to Assist in Fight Against AIDS

Speaking to the Corporate Council on Africa’s US-Africa Business Summit on June 27, Commerce Secretary Donald Evans noted the devastating impact AIDS is having on Africa. Secretary Evans said that, while public sector/private sector partnerships are doing a great deal to treat, educate and protect the people of Africa from the ravages of AIDS, the common thread in the battle against AIDS, as Ugandan President Museveni has stated, is poverty. Promoting economic development by opening markets--including safe and affordable GMOs from the U.S.--improving trade, and increasing investments will allow African countries to fight poverty and ensure a brighter future for all of their citizens. To encourage open markets and free trade, the U.S. is working toward a future free trade agreement with the South African Customs Union. While the U.S. is demonstrating global leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Commerce Department efforts to foster public-private partnerships will continue. This fall, Commerce will organize an industry forum to share ideas on existing partnerships and discuss ways that businesses, African governments and NGOs can work together to fight HIV/AIDS. Commerce is ready to work with African nations to help create the conditions for economic success, and the Minority Business Development Agency will help sub-Saharan African countries lay the foundation for growth by increasing financial literacy and broaden knowledge about issues like access to capital. View text of Secretary Evans’ remarks (no longer available)

Bush Says U.S. Committed to Helping Africa Achieve Potential

On June 26, President Bush told the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) Summit in Washington that the U.S. believes in Africa's potential, understands its problems and is "fully engaged in a broad, concerted effort to help Africans find peace, to fight disease, to build prosperity, and to improve their own lives." The President, who will travel to Senegal, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda and Nigeria July 7-12, said his trip signals his optimism about Africa's future. Mr. Bush outlined several goals in what he referred to as "the U.S.-Africa partnership," one of which is to help Africa establish vibrant, free economies through aid and trade. The President outlined the steps the U.S. has undertaken to expand commerce with Africa, including negotiation of the Southern African Customs Union. In the WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations, the U.S. is pushing to open agricultural markets, reduce farm subsidies in wealthy nations, and to create new opportunities for African farmers. The President also noted the success of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and called on Congress to extend AGOA beyond 2008.

View text of President’s remarks

U.S. Officials Ask EU to Submit WTO Agriculture Proposals

On June 26, Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick cautiously praised the EU’s decision to reform its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) farm subsidies program, adding that the EU must still submit negotiating proposals to the WTO agriculture negotiations. Veneman and Zoellick said they hoped the compromise EU reform announced earlier that day does not in practice limit EU participation in those agriculture negotiations. Zoellick said the EU should promptly submit proposals in the three key areas of WTO agriculture negotiations -- reducing domestic support, eliminating export subsidies and cutting tariffs. EU domestic support and export subsidy levels exceed those for U.S. agriculture many times over. According to published reports, the CAP reform proposal would substantially, but not completely, decouple domestic support from production and link them instead to compliance with environmental and other standards. View text of USTR press release (no longer available)

Expanding Trade and Investment Are Top U.S. Economic Priorities In Asia

On June 25, senior U.S. officials outlined U.S. trade and commercial priorities in Southeast Asia at a hearing before the House International Relations subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. Testifying at the hearing on U.S. Trade and Commercial Policy in Southeast Asia and Oceania, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Ralph Ives, described U.S. trade strategy as competitive liberalization -- the pursuit of trade liberalization strategies on multiple fronts to achieve open markets. Countries that resist trade liberalization, he said, risk being left behind as more and more countries, including the United States, keep the pressure on by opening markets through bilateral or regional trade agreements. Meanwhile, the lawmakers called for clarity in the criteria used to select partners for free trade agreements.

View text of USIS Washington File report

U.S and Pakistan Sign Trade and Investment Framework Agreement

On June 25, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Pakistan Minister of Finance Shaukat Aziz signed an agreement that provides a forum for Pakistan and the U.S. to examine ways to expand bilateral trade and investment. Ambassador Zoellick and Pakistan Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan agreed in a meeting on June 9 to negotiate the TIFA. The agreement creates a Joint Council that will consider a wide range of commercial issues and sets out basic principles underlying the two nations' trade and investment relationship. The council will establish a permanent dialogue with the expectation of expanding trade and investment between the U.S. and Pakistan. View text of USTR press release (no longer available)

Commerce Report Reveals Major Progress in OECD Antibribery Efforts

On June 26, Commerce Secretary Don Evans released the fifth annual report to Congress on implementation of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (Antibribery Convention). In his letter transmitting the report to Congress, Evans noted that with the adoption in January by Turkey of implementing legislation, all 35 signatories now have laws in force to criminalize the bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions. Only Ireland must still deposit an instrument of ratification with the OECD. “Aggressive enforcement of these important laws must be a priority for each party,” Evans said. “I am pleased to report that several parties are investigating or prosecuting cases of bribery of foreign public officials under their implementing laws.” Secretary Evans emphasized that fighting corruption remains the shared responsibility of governments, the private sector and civil society. In May 2003, to support future efforts to encourage other parties to investigate cases, the Commerce Department instructed its Foreign Commercial Service Officers to bring credible allegations of bribery by foreign competitors to the attention of appropriate U.S. government officials. View text of Commerce press release View text of 2003 Antibribery Report (pdf)

Commerce Secretary Evans Hails U.S.-Canada Partnership

In June 24 remarks before the Canadian-American Business Council, Commerce Secretary Donald Evans said that the U.S. and Canada share one of the world's strongest friendships. The Secretary stated that the relationship has grown even stronger since the enactment of free trade agreements between the two countries. U.S.-Canadian trade ties, added Evans, stand as a model for what barrier-free trade and investment can deliver -- more jobs, more opportunity, and more growth. The Secretary stated, “The absence of serious conflicts is a testament to the good work done by people on both sides of the border – including the Canadian-American Business Council – and the rules-based structures designed to manage issues through NAFTA and the WTO.” View text of Secretary Evans’ remarks (no longer available)

Evans, Liikanen Reaffirm Commitment to Transatlantic Partnership, New TABD

On June 24, Commerce Secretary Donald Evans and his EU counterpart, Commissioner Erkki Liikanen, reaffirmed the importance of the transatlantic economic and commercial partnership at a meeting in Washington. The leaders both expressed their belief that the transatlantic partnership is critical for future security and prosperity in the U.S., Europe, and around the world. Business leaders from the U.S. and from Europe who attended the meeting presented their thoughts on the current state of the transatlantic marketplace, and what governments could do to spur economic growth. The group also agreed to relaunch the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (TABD) in a new, more focused and efficient format. The TABD will focus on the development of two or three key U.S.-EU economic policy recommendations. At this meeting, the participants discussed the key issues facing companies that operate in the U.S. and the EU, and they agreed to develop a common agenda on a few key issues by September.

View text of Commerce Department press release

View Fact Sheet on Transatlantic Business Dialogue

View Fact Sheet on Transatlantic Cooperation on Trade

EU Comment Period on Draft Chemicals Regulation Ends July 10

The Commerce Department notes that the period for submitting comments regarding the EU’s draft regulation on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) [offsite link] will end on July 10. Parties are encouraged to visit the website and provide comments to the Commission regarding the proposed regulation, which is expected to have a far-reaching effect on U.S. exporters. For more information, please contact Don Wright of Commerce’s Office of European Affairs at 202-482-5844 (phone), 202-482-2897 (fax), or via email at Don_Wright@ita.doc.gov.

Positive Arab Reaction to Proposed U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Area

On June 23, Secretary of State Colin Powell said that the U.S. has received enthusiastic responses from numerous Arab governments to President Bush's proposal to build a U.S.-Middle East Free Trade Area by 2013. Secretary Powell was attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Jordan. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, who also attended the meeting, said the U.S. hopes that free trade agreements with individual countries will lead to the gradual economic integration of the Arab world. In a June 21 briefing for reporters, Under Secretary of State Alan Larson pointed to Jordan as an example of how trade can affect a national economy: since completion of the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Jordanian exports to the U.S. have risen from $13 million to $400 million per year. Before attending the WEF meeting, USTR Zoellick met with Bahraini officials in Manama on June 19 to discuss a possible FTA between the two countries. Briefing afterwards with Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy Abdullah Saif, Zoellick said the FTA would not only support the government's reform efforts but will also boost Bahrain's worldwide reputation as a climate for safe and lucrative investment and business. (no longer available) View text of USIS Washington File report View transcript of Zoellick press conference with Minister Abdullah Saif

EU Holds Key to Trade Talks, U.S. Official Says

During a June 20 press conference in Geneva, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Peter Allgeier stated that agriculture is the key to moving forward WTO trade negotiations as they are reaching a critical juncture, and the EU holds that key. Since July 2002, the EU has been debating proposed reform of its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) without any conclusive results. While Allgeier declined to specify how far CAP reform should go to allow progress at the September WTO ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico, he said any reform must give the EU enough flexibility to engage in negotiations. Allgeier said that, while non-agricultural market access negotiations have advanced substantially, he said, "there's a limit to which people are willing to make commitments in that area until they have a better sense of what is going to be on offer or at least under negotiations in agriculture." On another issue, Allgeier said it's "highly desirable" that WTO countries resolve before the Cancun meeting the question of poor countries' access to patented medicine. View text of USIS Washington File report (includes transcript of press conference)

Benefits of Trade Facilitation for Developing Countries

Sweden’s National Board of Trade recently published a report that describes trade facilitation as a tool for increased and smoother trade between countries. This report, “Trade Facilitation from a Developing Country Perspective,” finds that the benefits from trade facilitation, including increased business opportunity, amplified customer value and improved security, were especially evident in developing countries. This report focuses on the particular developing country perspective. To acquire the necessary understanding of the situation of trade procedure in developing countries, data were collected from all major international organizations, from the academic world, and from close contact with several developing countries. Sweden’s National Board of Trade has also prepared another report, “Trade Facilitation -- Impact and Potential Gains,” which focuses on the actual costs of complicated trade procedures and the benefits from trade facilitation in both monetary and non-monetary terms.

Transferring Customer and Employee Data from the EU to the U.S.

Data management is crucial to most companies’ operations. The data often includes names, addresses and other information on suppliers, customers or employees. If U.S. companies receive this type of data from the EU or collect it within the EU, they need to be aware of EU - wide laws that set out how personally identifiable data can be collected, stored, processed and transferred. Data transfers from the EU to the U.S. are subject to the controls put in place by the EU’s Data Protection Directive. A new report, Transferring Customer and Employee Data from the EU to the U.S. (word doc), examines the Directive’s provisions as they relate to data exports. It sets out the obligations facing U.S. companies in this area, outlines the compliance options available to them, and concludes with a host of useful web links. For more information, please contact Martin Whitehead at Martin.Whitehead@mail.doc.gov

WTO Panel Issues Report on India-U.S. Textiles Dispute

On June 20, 2003, the WTO issued the report of a panel that had examined India's complaint about the U.S.’s Rules of Origin for Textiles and Apparel Products (DS243). The panel found that India had failed to establish that the U.S. measures are inconsistent with the WTO Agreement on Rules of Origin. Download the panel report in Word format Download the panel report in PDF format View USTR press release (no longer available)

USTR to Move Ahead on WTO Case against EU Biotech Regime

The Bush administration is moving forward with a WTO challenge to the EU moratorium on approvals of new biotechnology products after WTO consultations failed to resolve the dispute, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Richard Mills stated on June 19. Mills commented, "Nothing in our WTO challenge prevents the EU from following through on their promises to reverse course and end the moratorium." In May, the U.S. joined Argentina, Canada and Egypt with the support of nine other countries in seeking the consultations, a procedural requirement before requesting a WTO dispute-settlement panel. Since then, however, Egypt has reportedly been wavering about its position. View USIS Washington File report (includes text of Mills’ statement)

USTR Official Calls Agreements with Chile and Singapore "Comprehensive"

In June 17 testimony before the Senate Finance Committee, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Peter Allgeier called the U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs) with Chile and Singapore the most comprehensive and modern trade agreements the U.S. has concluded, and will serve as catalysts for future free trade initiatives. Allgeier said that these two FTAs are "state-of-the-art" and address the full range of U.S. interests, including the areas of agriculture, services and investment. In a statement released at the hearing, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley said the FTAs "deserve the broad support of the congress," and expressed hope that the agreements would be implemented before the August congressional recess. View text of USIS Washington File report (includes text of Allgeier's statement, summaries of Singapore and Chile FTAs)

Bush Administration Issues Policy Bulletin on Softwood Lumber

On June 18, the Commerce Department issued a policy bulletin that outlines the standards for a market-based timber sales system which provides the basis for a durable solution to the decades-old U.S.-Canada dispute regarding softwood lumber. If a Canadian province believes it has made the necessary changes to meet these standards, the policy bulletin allows that province to apply for a changed circumstance review to try to qualify for revocation of the current countervailing duty (CVD) order. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Grant Aldonas, who authored the policy bulletin, called it “...a major step toward developing a long-term solution to the softwood lumber dispute that has plagued the United States and Canada for over twenty years. He added, “By confronting the underlying problems in one of the longest running and most difficult trade problems, we hope to encourage an integrated North American lumber market and put an end to the softwood lumber dispute once and for all.

View ITA press release

View ITA policy bulletin (pdf)

GAO Offers Free Database Covering China's WTO Commitments

On June 13, the General Accounting Office (GAO) issued a letter (pdf) to members of Congress and executive branch agencies to introduce a new electronic database (zip file) on the major components of China's WTO accession commitments. In the letter, the GAO stated that, with its December 2001 accession to the WTO, China will have to undertake numerous actions over the next 10 years, ranging from reducing or eliminating tariffs to improving the transparency of trade-related rules and regulations. In an October 2002 report, the GAO identified nearly 700 individual commitments concerning how China is expected to reform its trade regime, as well as commitments that liberalize market access for more than 7,000 goods and nine broad services sectors. In the letter, the GAO stated that its database’s “ flexibility and comprehensiveness...can enable users to quickly and more efficiently analyze China's commitments. The database, which can be accessed free of charge, consists of a Microsoft (MS) Access file which requires users to have MS Access 2000 to open the file. It includes instructions and tips for using the database, along with definitions of the source data.

View text of USIS Washington File report

U.S. Files WTO Case Against Mexico's Antidumping Restrictions on Beef and Rice Exports

On June 16, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick announced that the U.S. is filing a WTO case against Mexico in connection with Mexico's antidumping orders on U.S. beef and white long grain rice. The consultations will also cover aspects of Mexico's recently amended antidumping and countervailing duty laws. Zoellick stated that the U.S. is filing a WTO case to ensure that Mexico doesn't use foreign trade remedy laws as unfair barriers to U.S. products, and that Mexican laws are administered in a transparent and predictable manner in accordance with WTO rules. View text of USTR press release (no longer available)

WTO: Supachai Calls Doha Talks Key to Reviving World Economy

In his opening remarks at a WTO public symposium on June 16, WTO Director-General Supachai said that it has become increasingly evident to political and business leaders around the world that the weak global economy urgently needs the stimulus of a significant trade liberalization. Supachai underscored the need for a successful outcome for the Doha Development negotiations to achieve such a liberalization, and stated his belief that such an outcome is possible “if governments are prepared politically to commit to the overall endeavour and can find the courage and resolve necessary to negotiate earnestly and with flexibility.” He welcomed recent encouraging signs of high-level political commitment to the Round and to finishing it on time from G-8 leaders, OECD and APEC trade ministers, and ministers from all other parts of the globe.

View text of WTO news item

U.S. Reports Some Progress on Global Steel Talks

Representatives of steel-producing nations met June 9-12 in Paris and made some progress toward their goal of reducing trade-distorting practices in the global steel industry, according to a U.S. negotiator. In a June 12 teleconference with reporters, Joe Spetrini, acting assistant secretary of commerce for import administration, said the most difficult issue addressed in Paris was whether an agreement to curb steel subsidies would include "special and differential treatment" (S&D) for developing countries, which remains unresolved. Spetrini stated, however, that the talks brought greater clarity to the demands of developing states. Negotiators will spend the next two weeks reviewing the details of a draft text on reducing steel subsidies, and plan to meet again in Paris July 16-18, Spetrini said. If remaining differences can be resolved by that time, a higher-level meeting might be arranged for July 18, he added.

View text of USIS Washington File report

Missouri Manufacturers Face Tough Competition from China

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that, during a June 13 meeting with Commerce Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance William Lash III, St. Louis-area manufacturers stated that they are not experiencing signs of growth, as competition from China continues to batter companies. Mr. Lash told the companies that the Bush administration hopes that opening more markets abroad and implementing its recently announced manufacturing initiative will boost domestic production and improve the industry's competitiveness. The St. Louis meeting is one of 25 field hearings that Assistant Secretary Lash will hold this summer to get local views on challenges facing the manufacturing sector. The findings will be presented to Commerce Secretary Donald Evans as part of a report on how the administration can help industry.

View text of St. Louis Post-Dispatch article

Commerce Secretary Evans Addresses U.S.-Mexico Partnership for Prosperity Meeting

During his June 10 remarks at the Partnership For Prosperity Luncheon in San Francisco, Commerce Secretary Donald Evans noted the Partnership’s accomplishments to date. While he stated that the vast majority of U.S.-Mexican trade is “seamless...not all of it travels as swiftly as it should. There are still troublesome impediments that are compromising NAFTA’s promise of open markets and a level playing field.” The Secretary said that, during a meeting with Secretary of Economy Canales, he shared some of U.S. industry’s concerns regarding trade with Mexico, which range from adequate protection of intellectual property rights to regulatory transparency to non-tariff barriers to trade, and to agriculture. He applauded the steps the Fox administration has taken to address these concerns, and urged it to do more. View text of Secretary Evans’ remarks (no longer available)

U.S. and Morocco Make Progress in Trade Negotiations

At a press conference following negotiations on the U.S.-Moroccan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Catherine Novelli said that the parties have made tremendous progress. Novelli and Moroccan Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Taieb Fassi Fihri spoke at a joint press conference in Rabat on June 5. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Washington in July. View text of USIS Washington File report (includes transcript of press conference)

Malaysia: Raids Clear Streets of Pirated Disks

On June 8, the Malaysian Government completed a comprehensive sweep of illegal optical disks. Authorities made nearly 500 arrests and seized over 2.5 million pirated DVD’s in thousands of raids across the country. Official estimates suggest that the crackdown cost crime syndicates rm 50 million (US $12.5 million). Although the initial blitz was designed to last for the two-week period ending June 8, government officials said that the IPR enforcement effort will continue at least through August. However, most Malaysians expect pirated products to reappear in the markets in a couple of months, once the police turn their attention elsewhere.

USITC Releases Reports Concerning Impact of FTAs with Singapore and Chile

On June 9, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released its reports assessing the economic impact (on the U.S. economy as a whole and on specific industry sectors and the interests of U.S. consumers) of the comprehensive bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) that the President has entered into with Singapore and Chile. CD-ROM and printed copies may be requested by calling USITC at 202-205-1809 or by writing the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be made by fax to 202-205-2104. View USITC press release View report on U.S.-Singapore FTA (Large PDF) .View report on U.S-Chile FTA (Large PDF).

Commerce Under Secretary Aldonas Addresses Afghanistan Reconstruction Conference

In remarks to the opening Plenary Session of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Conference on June 9, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Grant D. Aldonas assured participants that the entire U.S. government is dedicating resources specifically to helping Afghanistan make 2003 the year of national institution building. The Under Secretary noted that many U.S. Government agencies, including the Commerce Department, have done “tremendous work” in helping to rebuild Afghanistan. The Commerce Department is participating in an inter-agency, inter-governmental working group that is examining good business practices, commercial banking, and how to attract investment to Afghanistan, and has established an Afghanistan Reconstruction Task Force to support all aspects of Afghanistan economic development, as well as aid U.S. export promotion. Mr. Aldonas announced that he will lead a business development mission to Afghanistan this fall to seek and explore market opportunities. During the conference, Under Secretary Aldonas and Afghan Minister of Commerce Sayed Mustafa Kazemi signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a bilateral commercial working group. Aldonas and Kazemi will co-chair the working group that will provide a forum to discuss commercial issues, such as trade development and foreign investment promotion. The conference highlighted more than 35 large-scale pre-financed projects, with a combined value of more than $4 billion.

View text of ITA press release

USPTO and WIPO Host Symposium on Geographical Indications

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is hosting a Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications in San Francisco on July 9-11. This Symposium will provide a forum for the exchange of information and views on geographical indications at the national, regional and international levels and on future trends in that area. Participation is open to government representatives as well as to any interested party. A provisional agenda is available at http://www.wipo.int/meetings/2003/geo-ind/en/program/. Registration can be completed on-line by accessing WIPO at: http://www.wipo.int/meetings/2003/geo-ind/en/index.html

China: Administrative Sanctions Predominant in IPR Enforcement in Liaoning; Transparency Is Not

According to a Liaoning official who handles intellectual property matters, administrative sanctions remain the predominant intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement tool, but the text of administrative decisions are not made available to the public because they contain business proprietary information. Chinese officials and legal professionals have stated that only parties to administrative and judicial proceedings have a legitimate interest in obtaining the decisions, claiming that since administrative agencies follow interpretations issued by the Supreme People's Court, the standards for decision are already well known to all. None of the courts in Liaoning have published judicial decisions concerning IPR cases.

Successful First Round of U.S.-SACU Free Trade Negotiations

Assistant USTR for Africa Florie Liser led a team of over two dozen U.S. negotiators in a successful first round of negotiations with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) in Pretoria June 2-4. There were over 50 representatives from the five SACU countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, and South Africa). South African DTI Director General Alistair Ruiters and Deputy Director General Tshediso Matona set a positive tone with their welcoming remarks. Ruiters underlined that this was the first time that SACU was engaged in a joint negotiating effort. The promising words from the opening sessions translated into a cooperative effort for the rest of the talks. AUSTR Liser and Chief Director Carim quickly adopted the framework and modalities/terms of reference paper. They then engaged constructively in discussing the phasing of issues for negotiations, the establishment of working groups, and administrative issues. While all sides acknowledged there will be difficult and sensitive issues ahead, the first round was useful in building confidence and getting the issues on the table. The U.S. negotiators thought the first round went well. Round 2 will take place in a SACU country in August.

Powell and Zoellick Expected to Attend Middle East Economic Forum in Amman

Planners of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) June 21-23 "Global Reconciliation" summit in Amman, Jordan, say they hope the meeting of more than 1,000 world leaders in business, government and civil society will build on current efforts to bring peace to the Middle East, according to a June 5 WEF press release. Secretary of State Colin Powell and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick are expected to attend the forum and discuss prospects for U.S. free-trade agreements in the area, the WEF said. Topics on the agenda include economic development, social progress and political stability in the Middle East, according to the forum.

View text of USIS Washington File report

U.S. and Chile Sign Historic Free Trade Agreement

On June 6 in Miami, the U.S. and Chile signed an historic and cutting-edge Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that, when fully implemented, eliminates bilateral tariffs, lowers trade barriers, promotes economic integration and expands opportunities for the peoples of both countries. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick signed on behalf of the U.S., and Chilean Foreign Minister Soledad Alvear signed for Chile. The U.S.- Chile FTA is the first free trade agreement between the U.S. and a South American country. The agreement will increase U.S. market access for goods and services and provide strong protections for U.S. investors in Chile. American workers, consumers, businesses, and farmers will enjoy preferential access to one of the world's fastest growing economies, enabling products and services to flow back and forth from the U.S. and Chile with no tariffs and under streamlined customs procedures. (links no longer available) View text of USTR press release View final texts of U.S.-Chile FTA View more information on U.S.-Chile FTA

Conclusion of Trade Talks Would Boost Economies, IMF Head Says

In June 4 remarks to a meeting of the Institute of International Finance in Bonn, IMF Managing Director Horst Köhler stated that the successful conclusion of the WTO Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations on schedule by the end of 2004 would provide the strongest boost to world economic confidence. Köhler urged global financial leaders to publicly voice support of the DDA negotiations. He also urged improved networking between governments, central banks and the private sector to strengthen the global financial sector. View text of USIS Washington File report (includes text of Köhler’s remarks)

South Africa: U.S. FTA Negotiator Briefs Business and Labor Representatives

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle Liser, the chief U.S. negotiator in the U.S.-Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, met with key stakeholders in South Africa's business and labor sectors on May 28. In her briefing to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), made on the eve of the opening round of the FTA talks, she emphasized that a free trade deal with the U.S., building on AGOA, would jumpstart investment and growth in the SACU region. The South African groups, which support efforts to increase trade, praised AGOA. However, business and labor representatives expressed concern that the FTA could hamper domestic policies on black economic empowerment and public health. Some questioned whether South Africa would gain any benefit from the FTA that it does not already enjoy under AGOA and GSP. In response, Ms. Liser endorsed black empowerment goals and noted that the scope of the FTA will build on AGOA and GSP.

Commerce Secretary Evans Creates Iraq Reconstruction Task Force

Commerce Secretary Donald Evans has created an Iraq Reconstruction Task Force within the International Trade Administration to assist U.S. companies interested in reconstruction and commercial opportunities in Iraq. The Task Force will serve as the Commerce Department's primary contact for Iraq reconstruction efforts. It maintains a timely and comprehensive website http://www.export.gov/iraq that serves as a one-stop resource for U.S. companies on U.S. Government reconstruction efforts and the commercial environment in Iraq. Related website links are also provided. Companies may register for ongoing information by emailing the Iraq Reconstruction Task Force at iraqinfo@mail.doc.gov and providing contact information and identifying industry sectors of interest. Additional assistance and business counseling are offered through the Task Force Hotline at 1-866-352-IRAQ

WTO: Supachai Supports G-8 Consensus on Doha Development Agenda

According to a June 4 WTO press release, Director-General Supachai welcomed the support of the G-8 nations for the timely conclusion to the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) global trade talks. However, he urged the G-8 leaders to transform their pledges of support into action at the negotiating table so that an ambitious outcome can be achieved by the January 1, 2005 deadline for completing the DDA. During two days of meetings with world leaders, Supachai stressed the need for concrete progress in the negotiations before the September 10-14 WTO Ministerial Conference in Cancún, Mexico. The Director-General expressed appreciation to the leaders for working to resolve the politically charged issues of agriculture trade reform and access to medicines for the poorest countries. In the course of the two days of meetings, Supachai also met bilaterally with many of the leaders and discussed a range of issues, including the accession of Algeria, the Russian Federation and Saudi Arabia to the WTO, the sluggishness of the global economy, and the proliferation of regional trade agreements. View text of WTO press release View text of USIS Washington File report (includes text of Co-operative G-8 Action on Trade)

Peru Reinstates IPR Special Prosecutor Position

Peru's attorney general issued a resolution reestablishing the IPR Special Prosecutor's Office. The same official had announced the elimination of the IPR Special Prosecutor position two weeks earlier for budgetary reasons. The elimination of the special prosecutor had caused dismay among copyright industry sources. The new office maintains much of the previous team but has fewer resources and less stature than its predecessor enjoyed. Peru's 30-day state of emergency has temporarily hindered the new office's effectiveness by eliminating police support for IPR enforcement actions.

Commercial Service Database of EU Procurement Opportunities

The Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the EU (CSEU) has developed the European Union Tenders Database. This database features all current public procurement tenders issued by all national and regional public authorities in the 15 Member States of the European Union, plus four other European countries, that are open to U.S.-based firms under the terms of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), implemented in 1995. The database also includes sub-national and sub-regional (e.g., municipal) procurements; any public procurement in Europe exceeding the threshold is covered. This database is updated weekly and is easy to use with a range of different search options, including 19 industry sectors. The Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the EU is confident that this tool will help U.S. companies to become more pro-active in the European public procurement market for services, supplies, and works. The database can also be accessed via the Quick Links section of the TCC’s Global Procurement Opportunities page, under European Union Foreign Government Procurement Opportunities.

G-8 Leaders Push for Action on WTO Talks, Corruption

On the second day of their summit in Evian, France, the leaders of the G-8 countries and Russia renewed their commitment to reaching "on schedule" the goals set out in the WTO trade and development agenda. The G-8 leaders pledged to ensure that the September WTO ministerial conference in Cancun, Mexico "takes all decisions necessary" to help reach those goals by the end of 2004. In a joint statement, they said that the current WTO agenda is "central" to reenergizing the global economy, increasing employment and stimulating development. The G-8 leaders said they agreed to direct their ministers to pursue "urgently" with WTO partners actions aimed at, among other things, reaching an agreed framework for completing negotiations on liberalization of trade in agricultural and non-agricultural goods. The G-8 leaders also endorsed agreement on a G-8 Transparency and Anti-Corruption Action Plan. Among other things, this commits the G-8 to: seek to deny safe haven to corrupt leaders and their assets; push for accelerated and effective implementation of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention; and establish pilot projects on public finance and procurement transparency in developing countries with large extractive industry sectors. View text of White House press release View text of USIS Washington File report (includes text of Co-operative G-8 Action on Trade)

G-8 Agrees to Start Talks on Procurement Transparency Agreement

The G-8 industrial countries have agreed to start negotiations at September’s WTO ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico on a multilateral agreement on transparency in government procurement. In a joint declaration issued June 2 at the G-8 summit in Evian, France, the leaders of Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and US said that such an agreement should include rules on the publication of laws, procurement opportunities and qualification requirements. In addition, recognizing the importance of procurement and concessions in the revenue-rich oil, gas, and mining industries, they decided to launch a pilot project aimed at intensifying transparency in these sectors. The G-8 leaders also pledged to strengthen the enforcement of national anti-bribery laws and to encourage the private sector to develop related compliance programs.

View text of USIS Washington File report

President Bush Urges G-8 Cooperation on Development, Trade

At the first day of the G-8 Summit in Evian, France, President Bush called for increased international cooperation on a host of issues, including development and trade issues. President Bush called on all countries to contribute to the goal of opening global markets and increasing prosperity through free trade. He urged the leaders to give new impetus to the Doha WTO trade negotiations, where the U.S. has tabled ambitious, market-opening proposals in these negotiations focused on three areas: eliminating agricultural export subsidies and significantly reducing tariffs and trade-distorting domestic supports; phasing out all tariffs on consumer and industrial goods by 2015, as well as eliminating non-tariff barriers; and expanding global market access in services. President Bush also stressed the importance of trade -- including intra-regional trade -- for Sub-Saharan Africa's development.

View White House fact sheet on day 1 of G-8 summit

Thailand: USTR Zoellick to Attend APEC and Trade and Investment Council Meetings

On June 2-3, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick will attend the June 2-3 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Khon Kaen, Thailand, where he and his ministerial colleagues will discuss ways to promote trade liberalization regionally and globally, particularly with the ongoing WTO negotiations. Zoellick commented that the APEC meeting “provides an opportunity to shape a shared vision for advancing regional trade, and achieve a positive outcome in Cancun. During the APEC meeting, Zoellick will meet separately with some of the 20 other APEC members Prior to the first session, Zoellick was scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, to discuss a range of economic issues. At the conclusion of the APEC meetings on June 3, Zoellick will meet with Thai Minister of Commerce Adisai Bodharamik to discuss bilateral and multilateral trade issues under the U.S.-Thailand Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Zoellick's meeting with Adisai is intended to advance the President’s Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative (EAI), which offers the prospect of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) between the U.S. and countries in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) that are WTO members and have signed a TIFA with the U.S. View text of USTR press release (no longer available)

U.S.-Brazil Trade Agendas Can Help Advance FTAA and WTO Talks, Says Zoellick

During his recent visit to Brazil, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said the U.S. recognizes Brazil as an exceptional partner in the Western Hemisphere, since both countries have a shared interest in promoting liberalized trade and a willingness to work together constructively. At a press briefing after meeting with Brazilian Vice President Jose Alencar and with senior government officials and members of Brazil's business sectors, Zoellick highlighted the anticipated benefits of the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), which would include all 34 democratic countries in the hemisphere. He added that U.S. and Brazilian officials also reviewed the WTO’s Doha Development Agenda because the United States and Brazil very much share an interest in trying to get serious agricultural liberalization that would enhance farming-sector exports.

View USIS Washington File report

President Bush Recommends Continuing Normal Trade Relations with Vietnam

View the text of a May 29 presidential determination recommending Congress continue to grant Vietnam conditional normal trade relations (NTR) status, formerly known as most-favored-nation (MFN) trading status.