POLITICS US restores trade benefits to Myanmar as Suu Kyi visits WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says it will offer trade benefits to Myanmar as the Asian nation continues its transition from military rule. The announcement comes as Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi (ahng sahn soo chee), meets with President Barack Obama at the White House on Wednesday.

September 14, 2016

Myanmar is one of the world's poorest countries and has been eligible for preferential trade treatment. But President George H.W. Bush suspended that treatment in 1989, citing Myanmar's refusal to recognize workers' rights.

The U.S. already has eased sanctions on Myanmar as it pursues democratic changes that Obama has tried to help spur. Still, U.S. trade with Myanmar has remained low despite the recent warming of relations. Two-way goods trade in 2015 was just $227 million.

The president notified Congress of the change in a letter Wednesday.