Myanmar—20 Years of Sanctions and Their Lasting Effect

Short Comparison of Trade Policies in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos

“…The military of Myanmar started to become wealthy because they were exporting teak, rubies and rice. Despite the anti-West government propaganda, Myanmar exports did not diminish (Anguelov and Bryant, 2015). Myanmar trade with Communist countries increased but decreased by the end of the 1960's.…”

“…In the 1970's, exports increased with India and with the Soviet Union. By the end of the 1980's the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was established to control the country and change the name to Myanmar (Anguelov and Bryant, 2015). Because Myanmar established a military coup that killed and arrested protestors, the United States refused to acknowledge SLORC and imposed sanctions.…”

“…Because Myanmar established a military coup that killed and arrested protestors, the United States refused to acknowledge SLORC and imposed sanctions. The American sanctions came in the form of an arms embargo and the refusing of economic assistance for humanitarian needs (Anguelov and Bryant, 2015). Myanmar continued to abuse human rights and the United States imposed more sanctions in the 1990's.…”

“…Myanmar continued to abuse human rights and the United States imposed more sanctions in the 1990's. Due to Myanmar's continued abuses, President Bill Clinton banned new investments in Myanmar by US companies and individuals under the Executive Order 13047 (Anguelov and Bryant, 2015). Myanmar remained unresponsive to the international pressure.…”

“…While Myanmar is still being sanctioned by the United States, many countries still trade with Myanmar. China and Russia are two of the most important trade partners for the country (Anguelov and Bryant, 2015). Myanmar is still a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which has allowed them to have business ties with Thailand, India, Singapore, and Japan, among others.…”