I propose taking Questions Nos. 420 and 421 together.
I welcome the democratic transition which is underway in Myanmar following the historic elections which took place there in November 2015. Last week saw the new Government’s 100th day in office, and so the transition is still in its early phases. I welcome the positive steps that the new Government has taken to date which have signalled their intention to bring peace and reconciliation, democratic reforms, and development and economic growth to all its people.
At present, Ireland’s trade links with Myanmar are limited. In 2014, total merchandise trade was valued at €2.51 million. As the economy grows, we expect that there will be opportunities to forge new trade and economic links between both countries. This will take time, however, as the country stabilises after many years of poor governance, economic stagnation and conflict.
The Ambassador of Ireland to Myanmar visited the country most recently in June, when he met with a number of Irish business persons based or working in Yangon. Useful discussions were held on the opportunities to do business in Myanmar, and the Ambassador will continue to visit the country regularly.
In addition to the work of my Department, Enterprise Ireland is actively promoting trade links in the region through its Singapore office. In recent years only small number of Enterprise Ireland client companies have been trading with Myanmar. Enterprise Ireland will continue to explore opportunities as the market develops and in response to increasing interest from its client companies.
There are currently no trade agreements in place between Ireland and Myanmar. As a member of the European Union, trade agreements with third countries are negotiated by the EU on Ireland’s behalf. Trade between the EU and Myanmar has been increasing since 2013 under the Everything but Arms scheme which removed sanctions, with the exception of arms, and reinstated trade preferences.
In recent months, the EU has signalled a strong intention to further enhance engagement with Myanmar. To this end a Joint Communication between the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was published in June, entitled: 'Elements for an EU strategy vis-à-vis Myanmar/Burma: A Special Partnership for Democracy, Peace and Prosperity'. On 20 June, I attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, where we welcomed the Joint Communication, which lays out a plan for coherent, ambitious and forward-looking EU engagement and intensified cooperation with the country to overcome the significant challenges it faces.
The Joint Communication includes specific measures to enhance trade and economic engagement with Myanmar. One such example is the negotiation of an Investment Protection Agreement between the EU and Myanmar. The conclusion of this agreement is expected to provide further economic opportunities and contribute to sustainable growth. Recognising that economic and labour market reforms are key to increased competitiveness, the EU has also committed to supporting Myanmar in its efforts to reform its labour law and to align it with international labour standards.
