Determination Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, 39490-39491 [E5-3590]

Download as PDF 39490 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 130 / Friday, July 8, 2005 / Notices anticipated that the catch would be taken in 120–150 tows. Previous research in this area has shown bycatch to be limited. It is expected that fish bycatch may consist of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of little skate, less than 50 lb (23 kg) of monkfish and approximately 300 lb (136 kg) of flatfish. All incidental catch would be returned to the sea. If there are interactions with sea turtles, the sea turtles would be handled in accordance with sea turtle resuscitation regulations at 50 CFR 223.206(d)(1). If any injured sea turtles are encountered, the researchers would arrange for transfer to authorized rehabilitation facilities. Observers from CFI would collect data on each trip. The possession and landing restrictions for commercial vessels fishing under the General Category scallop vessel permit allow such vessels to harvest and land up to 400 lb (181 kg) of scallops on each trip, with up to one landing per calendar day. In order to improve the success of the research project, CFI has requested an EFP to authorize the commercial vessels involved to land 400 lb (181 kg) for each day that they fish, without requiring the vessel to return to port every day to offload the scallop catch. This would enable the vessel to stay in the vicinity of sea turtles that are encountered. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 5, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5–3611 Filed 7–7–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Determination Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act June 30, 2005. Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) ACTION: Directive to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) has determined that certain textile and apparel goods from Ethiopia shall be treated as ‘‘handloomed, handmade, or folklore articles’’ and qualify for preferential treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Imports of eligible products from Ethiopia with an appropriate visa will qualify for duty-free treatment. VerDate jul<14>2003 16:32 Jul 07, 2005 Jkt 205001 EFFECTIVE DATE: July 18, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Flaaten, International Trade Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, (202) 482-3400. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Title I of the Trade and Development Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-200) (AGOA) provides preferential tariff treatment for imports of certain textile and apparel products of beneficiary subSaharan African countries, including hand-loomed, handmade, or folklore articles of a beneficiary country that are certified as such by the competent authority in the beneficiary country. In Executive Order 13191, the President authorized CITA to consult with beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries and to determine which, if any, particular textile and apparel goods shall be treated as being hand-loomed, handmade, or folklore articles. (66 FR 7272) In a letter to the Commissioner of Customs dated January 18, 2001, the United States Trade Representative directed Customs to require that importers provide an appropriate export visa from a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country to obtain preferential treatment under section 112(a) of the AGOA (66 FR 7837). The first digit of the visa number corresponds to one of nine groupings of textile and apparel products that are eligible for preferential tariff treatment. Grouping ‘‘9’’ is reserved for handmade, hand-loomed, or folklore articles. CITA has consulted with Ethiopian authorities and has determined that hand-loomed fabrics, hand-loomed articles (e.g., hand-loomed rugs, scarves, place mats, and tablecloths), handmade articles made from hand-loomed fabrics, and the folklore articles described in the annex to this notice, if produced in and exported from Ethiopia, are eligible for preferential tariff treatment under section 112(a) of the AGOA. In the letter published below, CITA directs the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to allow duty-free entry of such products under U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading 9819.11.27 if accompanied by an appropriate AGOA visa in grouping ‘‘9’’. James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements June 30, 2005. Commissioner, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Washington, DC 20229. Dear Commissioner: The Committee for the Implementation of Textiles Agreements (CITA), pursuant to Sections 112(a) of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Title I of Pub. L. No. 106-200) (AGOA) and Executive Order 13191 of January 17, 2001, has determined, effective on July 18, 2005, that the following articles shall be treated as ‘‘handloomed, handmade, and folklore articles’’ under the AGOA: (a) handloomed fabrics, handloomed articles (e.g., handloomed rugs, scarves, placemats, and tablecloths), and hand-made articles made from handloomed fabrics, if made in Ethiopia from fabric handloomed in Ethiopia; and (b) the folklore articles described in the attached annex if made in Ethiopia. Such articles are eligible for duty-free treatment only if entered under subheading 9819.11.27 and accompanied by a properly completed visa for product grouping ‘‘9’’, in accordance with the provisions of the Visa Arrangement between the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of the United States Concerning Textile and Apparel Articles Claiming Preferential Tariff Treatment under Section 112 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000. After additional consultations with Ethiopian authorities, CITA may determine that additional textile and apparel goods shall be treated as folklore articles. Sincerely, James C. Leonard III, Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. ANNEX CITA has determined that the following textile and apparel goods shall be treated as folklore articles for purposes of the AGOA if made in Ethiopia. Articles must be ornamented in characteristic Ethiopian or regional folk style. An article may not include modern features such as zippers, elastic, elasticized fabrics, or hook-and-pile fasteners (such as velcroc or similar holding fabric). An article may not incorporate patterns that are not traditional or historical to Ethiopia, such as airplanes, buses, cowboys, or cartoon characters and may not incorporate designs referencing holidays or festivals not common to traditional Ethiopian culture, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Typical Ethiopian designs may use, but are not limited to, geometric shapes and diamond-shaped or modified diamondshaped crosses. Eligible folklore articles: (a) Shema Borsa (Hand-woven bag/pouch) Shema Borsas are made of relatively thick cotton hand-woven fabric on the exterior with or without an inside lining that is generally machine-woven fabric, and may be hand- or machine-stitched together. The Shema Borsas are typically 10 - 14 inches wide and 10 - 14 inches tall decorated with features including typical small geometrical diamond-shaped patterns, which can be woven into the fabric itself or ornamented with strips of woven silk in geometric ´ shapes, braided silk appliques, small shells, nuts, silver jewelry, beads, or fringe. The Shema Borsa may or may not have a fold over E:\FR\FM\08JYN1.SGM 08JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 130 / Friday, July 8, 2005 / Notices flap and have carrying strap(s) and may come with or without closures such as a small strip of decorative fabric looping around a shell, bead or nut. (b) Sofa Trase Libse (cushion covers/pillow covers) The Sofa Trase Libse is made of hand-woven material on the front face, often backed with machine made woven or non-woven fabric for support and machine-stitched together, typically 12 - 18 inches tall and wide. Sofa Trase Libses are decorated with typical geometric diamond-shaped designs, may be embroidered, and are slotted in the back as an opening or slotted with a closure of button(s). [FR Doc. E5–3590 Filed 7–7–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S DEFENSE BASE CLOSURE AND REALIGNMENT COMMISSION Notice of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission—Open Meeting (Washington, DC) Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. ACTION: Notice; Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission—Open Meeting (Washington, DC). AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission will hold an open meeting on July 18, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216, Constitution Avenue, Washington DC 20510. The delay of this change notice resulted from the short time-frame established by statute for the operations of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. The Commission requests that the public consult the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission Web site, https://www.brac.gov, for updates. The Commission will meet to receive comment from the Secretary of Defense on why certain base realignment and closure actions were not included among the actions recommended by the Secretary on May 13, 2005 (https:// www.brac.gov/docs/PrincipiRumsfeld.pdf), to hear testimony from the Comptroller General regarding the Government Accountability Office’s analysis of the Department of Defense’s 2005 selection process and recommendation for base closures and realignments (GAO–05–785, available at https://www.gao.gov/new.items/ d05785.pdf), and to hear testimony from the Commission on Review of Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States (The Overseas Basing Commission) regarding that commission’s Report to the President VerDate jul<14>2003 16:32 Jul 07, 2005 Jkt 205001 and Members of Congress (available at https://obc.gov/). This meeting will be open to the public, subject to the availability of space. Sign language interpretation will be provided. DATES: July 18, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216, Constitution Avenue, Washington DC 20510. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please see the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission Web site, https://www.brac.gov. The Commission invites the public to provide direct comment by sending an electronic message through the portal provided on the Commission’s Web site or by mailing comments and supporting documents to the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, 2521 South Clark Street Suite 600, Arlington, Virginia 22202–3920. The Commission requests that public comments be directed toward matters bearing on the decision criteria described in The Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, as amended, available on the Commission Web site. Sections 2912 through 2914 of that Act describe the criteria and many of the essential elements of the 2005 BRAC process. For questions regarding this announcement, contact Mr. Dan Cowhig, Deputy General Counsel and Designated Federal Officer, at the Commission’s mailing address or by telephone at 703–699–2950 or 2708. Dated: July 5, 2005. Jeannette Owings-Ballard, Administrative Support Officer. [FR Doc. 05–13472 Filed 7–7–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEFENSE BASE CLOSURE AND REALIGNMENT COMMISSION Notice of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission—Open Meeting (Washington, DC) Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. ACTION: Notice; Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission—Open Meeting (Washington, DC). AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission will hold an open meeting on July 19, 2005 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216, Constitution Avenue, Washington DC 20510. The Commission requests that the public consult the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission Web site, PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 39491 https://www.brac.gov, for updates. The Commission will meet to deliberate and vote whether to consider certain base realignment and closure actions that were not included among the actions recommended by the Secretary of Defense on May 13, 2005 (https:// www.brac.gov/docs/PrincipiRumsfeld.pdf). The delay of this change notice resulted from the short timeframe established by statute for the operations of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. The Commission will also deliberate and vote on a portion of the actions recommended by the Secretary of Defense on May 13, 2005. This meeting will be open to the public, subject to the availability of space. Sign language interpretation will be provided. July 19, 2005 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. DATES: Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216, Constitution Avenue, Washington DC 20510. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please see the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission Web site, https://www.brac.gov. The Commission invites the public to provide direct comment by sending an electronic message through the portal provided on the Commission’s Web site or by mailing comments and supporting documents to the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, 2521 South Clark Street Suite 600, Arlington, Virginia 22202–3920. The Commission requests that public comments be directed toward matters bearing on the decision criteria described in The Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, as amended, available on the Commission Web site. Sections 2912 through 2914 of that Act describe the criteria and many of the essential elements of the 2005 BRAC process. For questions regarding this announcement, contact Mr. Dan Cowhig, Deputy General Counsel and Designated Federal Officer, at the Commission’s mailing address or by telephone at 703–699–2950 or 2708. Dated: July 5, 2005. Jeannette Owings-Ballard, Administrative Support Officer. [FR Doc. 05–13473 Filed 7–7–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P E:\FR\FM\08JYN1.SGM 08JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 130 (Friday, July 8, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39490-39491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-3590]


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COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS


Determination Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act

June 30, 2005.
AGENCY: Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA)

ACTION: Directive to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements 
(CITA) has determined that certain textile and apparel goods from 
Ethiopia shall be treated as ``handloomed, handmade, or folklore 
articles'' and qualify for preferential treatment under the African 
Growth and Opportunity Act. Imports of eligible products from Ethiopia 
with an appropriate visa will qualify for duty-free treatment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 18, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Flaaten, International Trade 
Specialist, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, (202) 482-3400.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The African Growth and Opportunity Act 
(Title I of the Trade and Development Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-200) 
(AGOA) provides preferential tariff treatment for imports of certain 
textile and apparel products of beneficiary sub-Saharan African 
countries, including hand-loomed, handmade, or folklore articles of a 
beneficiary country that are certified as such by the competent 
authority in the beneficiary country. In Executive Order 13191, the 
President authorized CITA to consult with beneficiary sub-Saharan 
African countries and to determine which, if any, particular textile 
and apparel goods shall be treated as being hand-loomed, handmade, or 
folklore articles. (66 FR 7272)
    In a letter to the Commissioner of Customs dated January 18, 2001, 
the United States Trade Representative directed Customs to require that 
importers provide an appropriate export visa from a beneficiary sub-
Saharan African country to obtain preferential treatment under section 
112(a) of the AGOA (66 FR 7837). The first digit of the visa number 
corresponds to one of nine groupings of textile and apparel products 
that are eligible for preferential tariff treatment. Grouping ``9'' is 
reserved for handmade, hand-loomed, or folklore articles.
    CITA has consulted with Ethiopian authorities and has determined 
that hand-loomed fabrics, hand-loomed articles (e.g., hand-loomed rugs, 
scarves, place mats, and tablecloths), handmade articles made from 
hand-loomed fabrics, and the folklore articles described in the annex 
to this notice, if produced in and exported from Ethiopia, are eligible 
for preferential tariff treatment under section 112(a) of the AGOA. In 
the letter published below, CITA directs the Commissioner of Customs 
and Border Protection to allow duty-free entry of such products under 
U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading 9819.11.27 if accompanied by 
an appropriate AGOA visa in grouping ``9''.

James C. Leonard III,
Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.

Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements

June 30, 2005.

Commissioner,
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Washington, DC 20229.
    Dear Commissioner: The Committee for the Implementation of 
Textiles Agreements (CITA), pursuant to Sections 112(a) of the 
African Growth and Opportunity Act (Title I of Pub. L. No. 106-200) 
(AGOA) and Executive Order 13191 of January 17, 2001, has 
determined, effective on July 18, 2005, that the following articles 
shall be treated as ``handloomed, handmade, and folklore articles'' 
under the AGOA: (a) handloomed fabrics, handloomed articles (e.g., 
handloomed rugs, scarves, placemats, and tablecloths), and hand-made 
articles made from handloomed fabrics, if made in Ethiopia from 
fabric handloomed in Ethiopia; and (b) the folklore articles 
described in the attached annex if made in Ethiopia. Such articles 
are eligible for duty-free treatment only if entered under 
subheading 9819.11.27 and accompanied by a properly completed visa 
for product grouping ``9'', in accordance with the provisions of the 
Visa Arrangement between the Government of Ethiopia and the 
Government of the United States Concerning Textile and Apparel 
Articles Claiming Preferential Tariff Treatment under Section 112 of 
the Trade and Development Act of 2000. After additional 
consultations with Ethiopian authorities, CITA may determine that 
additional textile and apparel goods shall be treated as folklore 
articles.
    Sincerely,
James C. Leonard III,
Chairman, Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements.

ANNEX
CITA has determined that the following textile and apparel goods 
shall be treated as folklore articles for purposes of the AGOA if 
made in Ethiopia. Articles must be ornamented in characteristic 
Ethiopian or regional folk style. An article may not include modern 
features such as zippers, elastic, elasticized fabrics, or hook-and-
pile fasteners (such as velcroc or similar holding fabric). An 
article may not incorporate patterns that are not traditional or 
historical to Ethiopia, such as airplanes, buses, cowboys, or 
cartoon characters and may not incorporate designs referencing 
holidays or festivals not common to traditional Ethiopian culture, 
such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Typical Ethiopian designs may 
use, but are not limited to, geometric shapes and diamond-shaped or 
modified diamond-shaped crosses.

Eligible folklore articles:

(a) Shema Borsa (Hand-woven bag/pouch)
Shema Borsas are made of relatively thick cotton hand-woven fabric 
on the exterior with or without an inside lining that is generally 
machine-woven fabric, and may be hand- or machine-stitched together. 
The Shema Borsas are typically 10 - 14 inches wide and 10 - 14 
inches tall decorated with features including typical small 
geometrical diamond-shaped patterns, which can be woven into the 
fabric itself or ornamented with strips of woven silk in geometric 
shapes, braided silk appliqu[eacute]s, small shells, nuts, silver 
jewelry, beads, or fringe. The Shema Borsa may or may not have a 
fold over

[[Page 39491]]

flap and have carrying strap(s) and may come with or without 
closures such as a small strip of decorative fabric looping around a 
shell, bead or nut.

(b) Sofa Trase Libse (cushion covers/pillow covers)
The Sofa Trase Libse is made of hand-woven material on the front 
face, often backed with machine made woven or non-woven fabric for 
support and machine-stitched together, typically 12 - 18 inches tall 
and wide. Sofa Trase Libses are decorated with typical geometric 
diamond-shaped designs, may be embroidered, and are slotted in the 
back as an opening or slotted with a closure of button(s).
[FR Doc. E5-3590 Filed 7-7-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S
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