Close cooperation with the Congress was particularly helpful on some of our Asian trade initiatives, in particular with the China IPR Agreement implementation, Japan Semiconductor, and Japan Insurance Agreements. In each case, strong bipartisan support of the Administration's efforts to open these markets produced letters and resolutions to bolster U.S. negotiators' efforts. USTR looks forward to maintaining its close working relationship with the Congress in 1997. The Clinton Administration created USTR's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison to expand and enhance USTR's partnership with and outreach to state and local governments, the business community, labor, environmental, and special interest groups. The private sector advisory committee system falls under the auspices of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison.
Consultations are ongoing throughout the year.
The U.S. Congress established the private sector advisory committee system in 1974 to ensure that U.S. trade policy and trade negotiation objectives adequately reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. Congress expanded and enhanced the role of this system in three subsequent trade acts. The advisory committees provide information and advice on U.S. negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements, on the operation of any trade agreement once entered into, and on other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of U.S. trade policy. The private sector advisory committee system consists of 34 advisory committees, with a total membership of approximately 1,000 advisors. Recommendations for candidates for committee membership are collected from a number of sources including members of Congress, industry associations, small business organizations, labor union leadership, publications, and other individuals who have demonstrated an interest or expertise in U.S. trade policy.