FRANCE - TRADE AGREEMENT COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING

UNCLAS PARIS 006554 SIPDIS SENSITIVE PLEASE PASS TO USTR, BRUCE HIRSH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EINV ETRD ELAB PREL EUN FR SUBJECT: FRANCE - TRADE AGREEMENT COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING REF: STATE 152063 ¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel request, post has created an interagency team on trade-related issues. The team includes representatives from the Economic Section, Foreign Commercial Services/U.S. Department of Commerce, and Agriculture. It will work closely with officers posted in France's two Consulate Generals and five American Presence Posts (APPs). This interagency team will meet regularly to discuss relevant and high priority trade issues in France, and provide guidance to Embassy leadership. Establishment of the team codifies informal practices that have been in place for some time. ¶2. (SBU) Point of contact to coordinate post compliance reporting: John Hennessey-Niland, Trade Officer, Hennessey-NilandJ@state.gov, phone: 33-1-4312-2222. ¶3. (SBU) In addition to the activities of post Trade Monitoring and Compliance Committee, relevant Embassy sections work closely with U.S industry representatives and Washington agencies to expand market access. USDA representatives at post report regularly on trade policy concerns through USDA Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN) and the annual Trade Policy Monitoring Report (TPMR). FCS communicates regularly with the DOC/ITA Market Access and Compliance Division and the Manufacturing and Services Division, and coordinates its activities with relevant staff at Embassy Paris. Post notes that trade relations between the United States and France fall under the competence of the European Union and not the French Government. Stapleton