Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Reuters has reported that President Bush may impose economic sanctions on Syria during the week of May 10, 2004 for supporting terrorism and failing to stop guerrillas from entering Iraq. Reuters reports that Bush is expected to curb future investments by American energy firms in Syria, prohibit Syrian aircraft from flying into the U.S., and either block transactions involving the Syrian government or ban exports to Syria of U.S. products other than food and medicine. (Reuters Pub 05/10/04, www.reuters.com)
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1. President Expected to Soon Impose Economic Sanctions on Syria
2. Trade Official Says U.S. and Brazil Are Making Progress on FTAA
The Washington Trade Daily (WTD) reports that a U.S. trade official has stated that progress is being made in informal discussions between the U.S. and Brazil on the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The official states that negotiators from the two countries could finalize an outline for the agreement later in the spring or summer of 2004. (WTD Pub 05/07/04, www.washingtontradedaily.com)
3. JoC Reports Only Six Canadian Importers Have Been Accepted to FAST
The Jounal of Commerce (JoC) reports that only six Canadian importers have been accepted into the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program, with about 140 additional applications pending. JoC states that FAST is popular with motor carriers, but carriers believe more importers need to join. (JoC Pub 05/03-09/04, www.joc.com)
4. U.S. & Malaysia Sign Bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that on May 10, 2004 the U.S. and Malaysia signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) that will provide a bilateral forum to address trade issues and to help enhance trade and investment between the two countries. The USTR notes that the U.S. uses TIFA discussions to address trade issues of longstanding concern and often to establish the necessary conditions for movement toward a free trade agreement. (USTR press release 2004-37, dated 05/10/04, available at http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/05/04-37.pdf.)
6. ITA Notices on Upcoming Overseas Trade Missions
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued two notices inviting U.S. companies to participate in the following upcoming overseas trade missions:
Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission -Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovak Republic; September 13 - 17, 2004
Textile, Furniture, and Modular Housing Trade Mission - Amman, Jordan; May 23 - 24, 2004
See ITA notices for application deadlines and contact information.
(FR Pub 05/07/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-10417.pdf and http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-10418.pdf)
7. Exporters' Textile Advisory Committee to Hold Public Meeting
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued a notice announcing that the Exporters' Textile Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on June 8, 2004 in Washington, DC. (FR Pub 05/07/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-10462.pdf)