USTR REQUESTS COMMENTS ON U.S./SOUTHERN AFRICA FREE-TRADE AGREEMENT

USTR REQUESTS COMMENTS ON U.S./SOUTHERN AFRICA FREE-TRADE AGREEMENT    The office of the United States Trade Representative has requested industry comments on a proposed free trade agreement with southern Africa.
   The agency also said it intends to initiate negotiations with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. The five African countries comprise the Southern African Customs Union.
   The interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee will convene a public hearing. It seeks public comments to assist the U.S. Trade Representative in defining its negotiating objectives for the proposed free trade agreement, and to provide advice on how the proposed agreement should treat specific goods and services and other matters.
   Persons wishing to testify orally at the hearing must provide written notification of their intention, as well as their testimony, by Dec. 6. A hearing will be held in Washington, beginning on Dec. 16.
   The U.S. Trade Representative met in February with trade ministers and other officials from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland in Pretoria, South Africa, to discuss the possibility of a free trade agreement.
   “Subsequent discussions with these countries have demonstrated their readiness, individually and collectively, to be free trade partners,” the U.S. Trade Representative said.
      Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland constitute the largest U.S. export market in sub-Saharan Africa, with sales valued at $3.1 billion in 2001. Each is also a member of the World Trade Organization, and is pursuing regional free trade through the Southern African Development Community. Namibia and Swaziland are also members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
   The Trade Representative office asked for comments about the reduction or elimination of tariffs or non-tariff barriers, any concession which should be sought by the United States, or any other relevant matter.
   Comments and testimony are requested, including on product-specific import and export interests or barriers, and the adequacy of existing customs measures to ensure Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa or Swaziland origin of imported goods.