Industry representatives serving on the Electronics and Instrumentation ISAC provide advice on trade policy matters. Recently, members of the Electronics and Instrumentation ISAC have provided advice on a range of issues that included: multilateral negotiations related to the World Trade Organization (WTO); the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); the Free Trade Area of the Americas and the North American Free Trade Agreement. During the U.S.-China bilateral negotiations; the industry advised the government concerning the elimination of tariffs; and, the unreserved participation of China to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) I and II. With regards to telecommunications, Electronics and Instrumentation ISAC members provided guidance on the harmonized additional spectrum for 3G services proposed at the World Radio Conference. In addition, committee members made suggestions about telecommunications agreements with other countries, especially Japan's 1999 NTT Procurement Agreement, and on the U.S.-EU Medical Device Mutual Recognition Agreement.

Industry representatives serving on the ISAC on Electronics and Instrumentation have a voice in U.S. trade policy formulation through the Industry Consultations Program (ICP), which emerged from the 1974 Trade Act, to ensure that trade negotiators were coordinating with the private sector during trade negotiations. Based on the program's success, the ICP was renewed and expanded by the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 and the Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. The Department of Commerce, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and other agencies work side-by-side with business leaders who serve as advisors to the U.S. Government. The Department of Commerce and USTR have joint responsibility for operating the advisory committees of the ICP.

Eligibility for Membership on the Electronics and Instrumentation ISAC
Committee members are U.S. citizens representing U.S. manufacturing or service firms in the electronics and instrumentation industry, trade internationally, and have a special interest in and knowledge of international trade issues. Representatives of industry associations may also participate. Additional information can be found on the Industry Consultations Program's website at www.ita.doc.gov/icp or by contacting: