THE INDUSTRY CONSULTATIONS PROGRAM

INDUSTRY SECTOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR TRADE POLICY MATTERS


Background Information
Industry representatives on the Services ISAC provide advice on trade policy matters. Recently members of the Services ISAC have provided advice on a range of issues including: multilateral negotiations in the World Trade Organization General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group; the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA); the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); and the U.S.-China bilateral agreement. During the U.S.-China bilateral negotiations, committee members focused on the financial sector and recommended full implementation of the WTO agreement with regard to banking and securities. They provided guidance on the definition and choice of criteria for joint ventures and recommended a transparent system for licensing. Services ISAC members have also been active on issues such as consumer data protection and electronic commerce, licensing and assignment of radio spectrum for third generation mobile telecommunication systems, and international personnel mobility. 

Industry representatives who serve on ISACs 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 United States Trade Representative (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 Services ISAC
Committee members are U.S. citizens representing U.S. services companies that trade internationally or industry associations that represent services firms. Members have a special interest in and knowledge of international trade issues. Additional information can be found on the Industry Consultations Program's website at www.ita.doc.gov/icp or by contacting:

The Industry Consultations Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
14th & Constitution Avenue NW, Room 2015-B
Washington, DC 20230
phone:  (202) 482-3268; fax:  (202) 482-4452
e-mail: Trade_Advisory_Center@ita.doc.gov