The US will begin easing an import ban on goods from Myanmar, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Myanmar leader Thein Sein, in a further lifting of sanctions on the country.
Clinton told the Myanmar president yesterday that in recognition of the rapid reforms his South-East Asian nation, which was once ruled by a military junta, has undertaken “the United States is taking the next step in normalizing our commercial relationship.”
“We will begin the process of easing restrictions on imports of Burmese goods into the US. We hope this will provide more opportunities for your people to sell their goods into our market.
“As we do so, we will continue consulting with Congress and other relevant stakeholders about additional steps while at the same time working with you and supporting those who are hoping that the reforms will be permanent and that progress will continue.”
Thein Sein met Clinton yesterday ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly tomorrow, during a landmark visit to the US that coincides with a triumphal American tour by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
“The people of Myanmar are very pleased with the easing of economic sanctions by the US. We are very grateful for the actions of the US,” he told Clinton.
Thein Sein is expected to outline to the UN his plans for the future of his fast-changing nation during his first trip to the US since taking power last year and ushering in a period of rapid reform.
“We have watched as you and your Government have continued the steady process of reform and we have been pleased to respond with specific steps which recognise the Government’s efforts and encourage further reform,” Clinton added.
“The trip will open a new chapter with the international community,” Zaw Htay, an official in the Presidential Office told AFP.
“He is expected to explain the reform process of the country including what the Government has done and what it is going to do,” said Zaw Htay.
Thein Sein, a former junta general who last week freed dozens of political prisoners, will have to share the limelight with Suu Kyi, who has been received with acclaim during her first trip to the US since she began her struggle for democracy more than two decades ago.