Jan 11 -- The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is establishing a new four-year charter term and accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as a member of the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA). The TACA is a trade advisory committee that provides general policy advice and guidance to the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy and development matters that have a significant impact on the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership on the TACA for the four-year charter term beginning in March 2022. To ensure consideration before the new charter term, you should submit your application by February 4, 2022.
The TACA is a discretionary trade advisory committee established to provide general policy advice to the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy and development matters that have a significant impact on the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. More specifically, the TACA provides general policy advice on issues that may affect the countries of sub-Saharan Africa including: (1) Negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements; (2) the impact of the implementation of trade agreements; (3) matters concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into; and (4) other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States. The TACA also facilitates the goals and objectives of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and assists in maintaining ongoing discussions with sub-Saharan African trade and agriculture ministries and private sector organizations on issues of mutual concern, including regional and international trade concerns and World Trade Organization issues. The TACA meets as needed, at the call of the U.S. Trade Representative or their designee, or two-thirds of the TACA members, depending on various factors such as the level of activity of trade negotiations and the needs of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The TACA is composed of not more than 30 members who have expertise in general trade, investment and development issues and specific knowledge of United States-Africa trade and investment trends including trade under the AGOA; constraints to trade and investment (including infrastructure, energy and financing); trade facilitation measures; sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures and technical barriers to trade; trade capacity building; investment treaty negotiations; United States-Africa investment and private sector partnerships; and implementation of World Trade Organization agreements.
Members may represent industry, organized labor, investment, agriculture, services, non-profit development organizations, academia, and small business. USTR anticipates that almost all TACA members will serve in a representative capacity with a very limited number serving in an individual capacity as a subject matter expert.
The U.S. Trade Representative strongly encourages diverse backgrounds and perspectives and makes appointments to the TACA without regard to political affiliation and in accordance with equal opportunity practices that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. USTR strives to ensure balance in terms of sectors, demographics, and other factors relevant to USTR's needs. Insofar as practicable, TACA membership will reflect regional diversity and be broadly representative of key sectors and groups of the economy with an interest in trade and sub-Saharan Africa issues, including U.S. citizens who are diaspora African and U.S. citizens of African descent with requisite knowledge and experience.
FR notice inviting nominations:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/11/2022-00245/notice-of-continuation-and-request-for-nominations-for-the-trade-advisory-committee-on-africa