USTR GSP DIRECTOR DISCUSSES TURKEY'S PARTICIPATION AT

UNCLAS ANKARA 002000

SIPDIS

DEPT PLEASE PASS USTR FOR MSANDLER, TURKEY DESK OFFICER
USDOC FOR ITA/MAC/CRUSNACK

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD TU
SUBJECT: USTR GSP DIRECTOR DISCUSSES TURKEY'S PARTICIPATION AT
EXPORT SEMINARS

REF: A) Ankara 1017


1. (SBU) Summary: As discussed at the April U.S.-Turkey Trade and
Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting (reftel),USTR
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Program Executive Director
Marideth Sandler visited Turkey during the week of July 9 to discuss
Turkey's participation in the program with Turkish exporters in
Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Gaziantep and Ankara. During the seminars,
Sandler stressed the importance of communication with U.S. importers
to ensure that paperwork is filled out properly so that Turkey's
benefits under the program are fully utilized. In addition, she
provided exporters with lists of eligible products and provided
valuable information for exporters wishing to expand or take
advantage of the duty free exports provided under the program.
Sandler's week-long visit was praised by Turkish Foreign Trade (FTU)
officials, who organized her program, and was considered by all as
another positive step towards expanding our bilateral trade
dialogue. End summary.


2. (SBU) During her July 9 - 13 visit to Turkey, USTR GSP Executive
Director Marideth Sandler met with Turkish exporters in Istanbul,
Gaziantep, Bursa, Izmir, and Ankara to discuss how Turkey can better
utilize its benefits under the program. Sandler also met separately
with representatives from the gold jewelry, silk textiles and
traditional Turkish rug producing sectors. Turkish exporters'
greatest concern is was whether or not Turkey will be able to retain
its benefits under the program after the Congressionally-mandated
statutory review in 2008. Sandler gave no guarantees but provided
information on how Turkish exporters can currently best utilize
Turkey's benefits under the existing program. In addition,
exporters of such products as Turkish travertine (marble) tile and
home improvement material and traditional Turkish textile garments
and apparel expressed their hope that their products would either be
included again or for the first time, a desire that Sandler
explained is very difficult to meet due to the requirement for
Congressional action for any changes to the existing benefits.


3. (SBU) Sandler focused her seminars on the categories of goods
for which GSP benefits are available to Turkey and the proper
procedure for completing the required paperwork in order to fully
utilize the program. She stressed the importance of communicating
with U.S. importers to ensure they correctly complete their Customs
declarations in order for the goods to enter the U.S. duty-free.
She also answered questions posed by the exporters about the
program.


4. (SBU) Comment: Sandler's seminars gleaned positive results by
opening direct communication with Turkish businesspeople and
debunking many of the myths surrounding the GSP program. She was
well-received and provided a wealth of information that will no
doubt help expand our bilateral trade relations. End comment.


5. Ms. Sandler cleared this cable.

MCELDOWNEY