Nicosia, 17/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - As recognition of recent progress in its political climate and improvement in its employment conditions, Burma/Myanmar could see its preferential access to the Community market being reinstated. This preferential access is granted to the least developed countries under the Everything But Arms system.
On Monday 17 September, the European Commission proposed re-establishing Burma/Myanmar's trade preferences to reward the Burmese authorities' efforts at improving the country's political, economic and social climate. With the exception of arms and munitions, all products exported by Burma/Myanmar would have duty-free and quota-free access to the Community market. This proposal must, however, obtain the agreement of the member states and European Parliament.
“After many years of international isolation, the EU believes the unprecedented developments now mean the time is right for Europe to open a new chapter in its relations with this South-East Asian country. The Commission believes that, despite the many structural constraints the country continues to face, Myanmar/Burma should see an increase in exports to the EU market under the 'Everything But Arms' preferential trade regime”, the Commission states in a press release. “Europe will continue to engage with Myanmar/Burma to encourage continued progress on all fronts”, Commissioner Karel De Gucht says.
Burma/Myanmar was suspended from the Generalised System of Preferences scheme in 1997 as a result of the military junta's serious and systematic violations of core international conventions on forced labour. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) concluded last June that significant progress had been achieved by the Burmese authorities, despite residual problems with forced labour persisting. In response to “historic changes” in Burma/Myanmar, the EU had earlier decided in April to suspend most political sanctions, while maintaining an embargo on arms.
Essentially consisting of textiles and clothing, exports from Burma/Myanmar to the EU totalled €169 million in 2011. (EH/transl.fl)