US, Foreign Partners Advance Plans to Boost Labor Rights in Myanmar

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman led a summit on Oct. 10, alongside other Obama administration officials and a number of international development representatives, to push for labor improvements in Myanmar’s industry, the Office of the USTR said in a statement (here). The summit builds off labor consultations launched in August, which leaders from both countries said they hoped would lead to a labor rights initiative by November (see 14082811). The two sides are pressing a long-term labor reform plan, as well as increased collaboration and communication between Myanmar and the global community.

The Oct. 10 summit brought together officials from Australia, the European Commission, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, and representatives from the International Labor Organization, World Bank and International Finance Corporation. “This initiative is an important opportunity to support Myanmar as it reintegrates into the global economy and to ensure that the benefits of increased trade with, and investment in, Myanmar are broadly shared,” said Froman in the statement. “There was a great deal of agreement and interest around the table in supporting Myanmar and its political and economic reforms.” The labor office at USTR did not immediately respond for comment on what concrete outcomes resulted from the Oct. 10 meeting or what the ultimate objective of the initiative is.