Myanmar Bilateral Linkages

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• Bilateral Linkages
• Development Assistance
• Other Connections

Myanmar Bilateral Linkages

Because of the political situation in Myanmar, New Zealand's bilateral relationship with Myanmar is thin, and attention has therefore focused on registering our concerns about Myanmar's human rights record and the lack of genuine democratisation with those countries with the most influence on Myanmar, in particular ASEAN members, plus China and India. New Zealand is also active in registering our concerns at the multilateral level, and we have made statements on the situation in Myanmar in the UN General Assembly, UN Human Rights Council, and in the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation.

New Zealand's trade with Myanmar is minimal and that is not expected to change greatly as a result of the AANZFTA. Exports were valued at around $5.82 million in the year to June 2008. Imports from Myanmar were valued at around $2.09 million for the same period. Milk powder and butter account for over 80% of New Zealand's exports.

As a Least Developed Country Myanmar has long had duty-free-quota-free access to the New Zealand market along with all of the 50 Least Developed Countries currently recognised by the WTO.

Historical visits include visits in the 1970s by the Myanmar President and later the Deputy Prime Minister. There have been no visits in recent years.