Industry representatives serving on the Capital Goods ISAC provide advice on trade policy matters. Recently, members provided advice to United States Trade Representative (USTR) negotiators on the ASIA - Pacific Economic Cooperation early voluntary sectoral liberalization negotiations regarding energy sector non-tariff measures, and they provided input into the development of the U.S. position for the new World Trade Organization (WTO) round of negotiations. As such, ISAC-2 has been providing input for the ongoing WTO services negotiations with a particular emphasis on energy services. In addition, the Committee has closely followed developments in our trading relationship with the European Union, developments with China's accession into the WTO, the current efforts to comply with the KYOTO Protocol, and the ongoing negotiations surrounding the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The Committee provided input into the development of OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and continues to provide input into the U.S. policies surrounding the use of economic sanctions.

Industry representatives serving on the ISAC on Capital Goods have a voice in U.S. trade policy formulation through the Industry Consultations Program (ICP), which emerged from the 1974 Trade Act, to ensure that trade negotiators were coordinating with the private sector during trade negotiations. Based on the program's success, the ICP was renewed and expanded by the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 and the Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. The Department of Commerce, the Office of the USTR, and other agencies work side-by-side with business leaders who serve as advisors to the U.S. Government. The Department of Commerce and USTR have joint responsibility for operating the advisory committees of the ICP.

Eligibility for Membership on the Capital Goods ISAC
Committee members are U.S. citizens representing U.S. manufacturing or service firms in the capital goods industry, trade internationally, and have a special interest in and knowledge of international trade issues. Representatives of industry associations may also participate. Additional information can be found on the Industry Consultations Program's website at www.ita.doc.gov/icp or by contacting: