Burma-US trade up 200%

Friday, 11 January 2013 11:53 Khin Myo Thwe

 

After decades of minimal trade between Burma and the United States, the bilateral flow of exports and imports has dramatically increased by three times, Burma’s Ministry of Commerce has announced.

Burmese President Thein Sein shakes hands with US Senator James Mountain Inhofe at the Credentials hall of the Presidential Palace, Naypitaw. (Photo: President's Office)

“From 2003 to 2010-11, trade between Burma and the US fell short of US $100 million,” said a Ministry spokesman. “In 2011-12, with a new government in office, the total amount of trade has increased to $300 million.”

The significant factor in this increase is, of course, the easing of economic sanctions on Burma by the US government last year. Since then, many US investors and major firms have made known their interest in entering Burma’s trading, agriculture and energy sectors.

On January 9, a US delegation led by Senator James Mountain Inhofe visited Burmese President Thein Sein at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw to discuss bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, they are reported to have discussed Burma’s oil and gas sectors, and the forming of committees to ensure the implementation of trade and business agreements.

Source : http://www.mizzima.com/business/8714-burma-us-trade-up-200.html