USTR Considers Recommending Vietnam for GSP Status
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a notice announcing the initiation of a review to consider designating the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a Generalized System of Preferences beneficiary developing country (BDC).
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The Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) has initiated the review in order to make a recommendation to the President as to whether Vietnam meets the eligibility criteria of the GSP statute. After considering the recommendation, the President is authorized to, and may, designate Vietnam as a GSP BDC.
Comments are due by August 4, 2008.
President Must Consider Certain Criteria in Determining GSP Designation
The USTR states that in determining whether to designate any country as a GSP BDC, the President shall take into account certain criteria, including (partial list):
the level of economic development of such country, including its per capita gross national product, the living standards of its inhabitants, and any other economic factors which the President deems appropriate;
the extent to which such country has assured the U.S. that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to the markets and basic commodity resources of such country and the extent to which such country has assured the U.S. that it will refrain from engaging in unreasonable export practices;
whether or not such country has taken or is taking steps to afford to workers in that country (including any designated zone in that country) internationally recognized worker rights.
USTR contact - Regina Teeter (202) 395-6971
USTR notice (FR Pub 06/20/08) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-14017.pdf