USTR Seeks Comments on Employment Impact of Proposed Thailand and Panama FTAs
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued two notices on behalf of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) which announce that the USTR and the Department of Labor (DOL) are initiating a review of the impacts of the proposed U.S.-Thailand and U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) on U.S. employment, including labor markets.
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The USTR states that comments may be submitted on potentially significant sectoral or regional employment impacts (both positive and negative) in the U.S. as well as other likely labor market impacts of the proposed FTA(s). The USTR adds that persons submitting comments should provide as much detail as possible in support of their submissions.
The USTR explains that 19 USC 3802(c)(5) directs the President to, among other things, review the impact of future trade agreements on U.S. employment, including labor markets and report to the certain Congressional Committees on such review, and make that report available to the public. The USTR and DOL will conduct these employment reviews through the TPSC.
ITC to Provide Advice on Probable Economic Effects of Thailand, Panama FTAs
The USTR has requested the International Trade Commission (ITC) to provide advice on the probable economic effects of both of these proposed FTAs. The USTR states that the ITC intends to provide its advice on Panama during the month of April 2004, prior to initiation of the negotiations. With respect to Thailand, the ITC intends to provide its advice within six months of the February 2004 receipt of the USTR's request.
-written comments should be received by noon on May 24, 2004 to be assured of timely consideration.
USTR Contacts- Gloria Blue (procedural questions) (202) 395-3475
Jorge Perez-Lopez (substantive questions) (202) 693-4883
USTR notices (FR Pub 04/20/04) available at
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-8920.pdf (Thailand)
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-8919.pdf(Panama)