The Obama administration continues to ease restrictions on Burma in the aftermath of parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. On Thursday, the United States said it will name its first ambassador to Burma in 20 years. Speaking in Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also announced the United States will ease the ban on trading and other investments in Burma.

Hillary Clinton: “I am also announcing new steps to permit American investment in the country and export of U.S. financial services. These are the most significant adjustments to our previous policy that have been taken to date. The United States will issue a general license that will enable American businesses to invest across the economy, allow citizens access to international credit markets and dollar-based transactions. So today we say to American business, invest in Burma, and do it responsibly. Be an agent of positive change.”