ITC Institutes Investigation on Proposed U.S.-Bahrain FTA
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a notice announcing that, following receipt of a request from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), it has instituted an investigation under 19 USC 3804(f) regarding the potential economy-wide and selected sectoral effects of the proposed U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and will seek input through a public hearing on August 10, 2004.
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Report to Assess Likely Impact of FTA on Whole Economy and Specific Sectors
According to the ITC, its report will assess the likely impact of the proposed U.S.-Bahrain FTA on the U.S. economy as a whole and on specific industry sectors, including the impact the proposed FTA would have on the gross domestic product, exports and imports, aggregate employment and employment opportunities, the production, employment, and competitive position of industries likely to be significantly affected by the proposed FTA, and the interests of U.S. consumers.
ITC will submit report to President and Congress. The ITC states that it is required to submit its report to the President and Congress not later than 90 days after the President signs the FTA with Bahrain, which he can do 90 days after June 15, 2004, the date that the President notified Congress of his intent to sign an FTA with Bahrain.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 06/18/04 news, 04061805, for BP summary of the President's Congressional notification, as well as the next steps that must be taken after the FTA is signed, which include the President's formal submission to Congress of the FTA legislative package, Congress' passage of this legislation, the President's signing of it into law, and a Presidential proclamation that would amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to implement the FTA.)
- pre-hearing briefs/statements are due by 5:15 p.m. on August 3, 2004.
- post-hearing briefs/statements are due by 5:15 p.m. on August 17, 2004.
ITC contact - Thomas Jennings (202) 205-3260
ITC notice (Inv. No. TA-2104-15, FR Pub 07/28/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-17326.pdf