SAC Chairman requestsTrump to lower trade barriers, end sanctions
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Htet Nadi (NP News) - July 12
The reply message sent on July 9 to President Donald Trump by the Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, included requests to relieve trade tariffs and lift economic sanctions imposed by the United States.
In a letter sent back to President Trump, the SAC Chairman expressed his gratitude for the U.S.’ decision to reduce the original tariff on Myanmar's exports from 44 percent to 40 percent. Myanmar has a long history of good relations with the U.S. and has always maintained a strong commitment to trade relations. He also stated that it looks forward to increasing trade with the U.S.
Regarding the US trade tariff increase, the SAC Chairman proposed adjusting the tariff on exports from Myanmar to the US to a range of 10 to 20 percent, and on imports from the U.S. to Myanmar to a range of 0 to 10 percent. In addition, if necessary, a high-level delegation from Myanmar would be sent to meet with relevant U.S. officials to discuss the matter according to the letter.
In addition, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Myanmar in response to the state of emergency in the country. Since these sanctions benefit neither side, he strongly urged the U.S. to lift the previously imposed economic sanctions in the interests of the people of both countries.
In the current situation, Myanmar is one of the world's least developed countries (LDCs). In addition, over the past five years, the country has faced a series of severe challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters such as Cyclone Mocha, Typhoon Yagi and the 7.7 magnitude Mandalay Earthquake. Therefore, in the letter, he expressed that the people of Myanmar are facing several challenges.
He also stated that, due to the election fraud that occurred in the 2020 election, the Tatmadaw had to assume responsibility for the state as mandated by the constitution. Additionally, he explained that the international perception of Myanmar’s political process was shaped by false media reporting at the time.
The letter also states that he expressed gratitude to President Trump for controlling the media and funding systems that fuel conflict, with the aim of promoting global peace and stability. It further states that the unilateral dissemination of false information has led to sanctions being imposed on Myanmar based on misinformation, without the international community knowing the true situation in the country.
Therefore, the SAC Chair urged the U.S. president that by removing trade barriers and maintaining mutual taxation, both can increase trade between Myanmar and the U.S. –