ACTION REQUEST: AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

UNCLAS STATE 034118 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EFIN ETRD PREL SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ¶1. This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 3 and 4. ¶2. The United States Trade Representative (USTR),in accordance with Section 533 of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, as amended, is required to list on an annual basis any foreign countries that have denied fair market opportunities to U.S. products, suppliers, or bidders in connection with airport construction projects of 500,000 USD or more that are funded in whole or in part by the governments of such countries. This list is published annually in the Federal Register by April 30. In 2008, USTR determined not to include any countries on the list of countries that deny fair market opportunities in government funded airport construction. ACTION REQUEST ¶3. Posts are requested to gather information regarding the nature and extent of discrimination faced by U.S. products, suppliers or bidders in competing for foreign government-funded airport construction projects of more than 500,000 USD. Posts should consider whether U.S. firms have been denied fair market opportunities in competing for these projects. ¶4. Posts should report relevant information by cable or email to USTR Jean Grier (jean_grier@ustr.eop.gov, 202-395-9476) and EEB/TPP/MTAA Matthew Tolliver (tolliverma2@state.gov, 202-647-9252) by April 21, 2009. If post has not observed, or receives no information confirming, discrimination against U.S. products, suppliers, or bidders in foreign government-funded airport construction, then no response communication is required. Please contact either of the above with questions or requests for further background. ¶5. Minimize considered. CLINTON