Relaxed Restrictions on Investment in Burma (Myanmar) Carry New Reporting Requirements

Summary: The Department of the Treasury has issued new general licenses that significantly expand the ability of U.S. persons and companies to invest in Burma, and to engage in financial transactions with Burma, but the licenses include reporting requirements that are not found in other U.S. sanctions programs. The new policy opens up the natural resources of Burma to U.S. investment, including its natural gas deposits, but public reporting requirements on transactions are largely unprecedented, and could signal a new approach to sanctions programs.