Apr 6 -- 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 Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee on Trade (IGPAC). The IGPAC 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 relationship to the affairs of U.S. state and local governments. USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership on the IGPAC for the four-year charter term beginning in April 2022. To ensure consideration before the new charter term, you should submit your application by May 4, 2022.
The IGPAC 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 relationship to the affairs of U.S. state and local governments. More specifically, the IGPAC provides general policy advice on issues that may affect U.S. state and local governments 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 IGPAC meets as needed, at the call of the U.S. Trade Representative or their designee, or two-thirds of the IGPAC members, depending on various factors such as the level of activity of trade negotiations and the needs of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The IGPAC is composed of not more than 35 members who have expertise in general trade, investment and development issues and are appointed from U.S. states and localities, and other non-Federal governmental entities. Members represent the executive and legislative branches of state, county, and municipal governments and may hold elective or appointive office. Fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) is one of the top priorities.
The U.S. Trade Representative is committed to a trade agenda that advances racial equity and supports underserved communities and will seek advice and recommendations on trade policies that eliminate social and economic structural barriers to equality and economic opportunity, and to better understand the projected impact of proposed trade policies on communities of color and underserved communities. The U.S. Trade Representative strongly encourages diverse backgrounds and perspectives and makes appointments to the IGPAC 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, regional diversity, and other factors relevant to USTR's needs.
IGPAC members serve without either compensation or reimbursement of expenses. Members are responsible for all expenses they incur to attend meetings or otherwise participate in IGPAC activities.
The U.S. Trade Representative appoints IGPAC members to represent the executive and legislative branches of state, county, and municipal governments. USTR's foremost consideration for applicants is their ability to carry out the goals of section 135(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. Other criteria include the applicant's knowledge of and expertise in international trade issues as relevant to the work of the IGPAC and USTR.
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https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-07264