Post easing of sanctions, Clinton holds trade talks with Myanmar president

17 Jul 2012  2060 | Cambodia Travel News

SIEM REAP, Cambodia US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Myanmar's reformist President Thein Sein on Friday for landmark discussions two days after Washington eased its sanctions on the energy-rich country.

The two held talks in the Cambodian tourist town of Siem Reap on the sidelines of a U.S. business conference and Clinton praised Thein Sein for several pro-democracy reforms he has undertaken and prodded him to do more.

"I brought a very prestigious business delegation to see you. I wanted them all to hear from you tonight about your plans for the future," Clinton told Thein Sein. The two met the largest-ever delegation of US businesses to Southeast Asia, including Coca Cola, Ford, General Electric, General Motors, Goldman Sachs and Google.

The U.S. on Wednesday gave the green light to firms to invest in Myanmar, in a major loosening of tough sanctions so far.

Clinton said U.S. officials were taking 70 company representatives to Myanmar this weekend to speak with officials and explore opportunities.

"We're excited by what lies ahead and we're very supportive of president Thein Sein's economic and political reforms," she said.

Since taking power over a year ago, Thein Sein has embarked on a reforms process, released more than 670 political prisoners, permitted greater media freedom, legalized protests and undertaken peace talks with rebels.

In a speech to a women's forum in Siem Reap, Clinton acknowledged that as Myanmar opens up "there will be a lot of challenges" but said she hoped to see "continuing progress there."

Myanmar has called for all sanctions to be lifted as the country embarks on its "second wave" of economic reform

Earlier Friday, Clinton announced that the US will provide five countries in Southeast Asia with $50 million over three years to assist them with health, education and environment programs. The recipients are Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar.

The Myanmar government under Thein Sein enlisted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in its political reconciliation efforts and held historic elections that saw her party entering parliament.

Sourced: bignewsnetwork

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