Yesterday the US government lifted the import ban on almost all imports from Myanmar. The US Treasury Department issued a new general license that allows for imported goods from Myanmar, except for gems and goods from individuals on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) blacklist.
To do this, the Obama administration had to issue a waiver, which is required by section 3(a) of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 (BFDA) and implemented by Executive Order 13310 of July 28, 2003. The import ban imposed by the JADE Act continues to apply, as does the ban on dealing with individuals on the SDN (seven more companies were added to the list). Congress seems to be satisfied with the waiver, so it looks to stick so long the Myanmar government continues its reform process.
Anyway, this is a good start to President Obama's ASEAN trip. Now if he could only get to the other items on my wish list . . . .
