Myanmar to send commercial attache to US

 They said commercial attaches would also be sent to Russia and Malaysia and that nine are already working abroad, including in Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore and Thailand. 

Ministry adviser Dr Maung Aung said the ministry is striving to completely normalise economic relations with the US, which continues to impose targetted sanctions on Myanmar. Sanctions have been dropped by Western nations since the administration of President Thein Sein took office in 2011, and the European Union has given Myanmar exports preferential access to its market under its generalised system of preferences (GSP). 

Washington has yet to follow suit, though Myanmar has applied for inclusion in its GSP trade programme, which gives least developed nations duty-free access to its market.

The commercial attach?s will be tasked with encouraging foreign investment in Myanmar, ministry officials said. 

Although the reforms introduced by Thein Sein’s administration have grabbed headlines, foreign investors have been less enthusiastic. High costs of living and rent, along with derelict infrastructure and a dearth of skilled workers are major deterrents to investment, officials say. 

While some major US businesses are considering opening branches in Myanmar as the Asean Economic Community approaches, others are waiting for rental fees to drop and the infrastructure to be upgraded.