The White House said, the United States wants to further incentivize the people and government of Myanmar to pursue democratic reforms—-in introducing “re-calibrated sanctions” against the country.
The U.S. plans to renew the bulk of its sanctions against Myanmar when they expire next week, but, White House Spokesman Josh Earnest said they will make some changes aimed at boosting investment and trade.
The comments come after the United States eased some sanctions on Myanmar earlier on Tuesday to support political reforms and economic growth in the country but retained other measures to discourage human rights abuses and military trade with North Korea.
Earnest pointed to the recent election as evidence the country is making progress.
The U.S. Treasury Department has significantly eased sanctions against Myanmar by issuing general licenses that give companies and investors exemptions to sanctions targeting more than 100 individuals and businesses, including some of Myanmar’s biggest business players.