US Eases Sanctions on Myanmar

Will allow imports for the first time in nearly a decade

The United States said on Friday it will allow imports from Myanmar for the first time in nearly a decade, a move that could boost the struggling economy in the former pariah state.

The announcement came just a day before President Barack Obama departs on a trip to Asia that will include a historic stop in the resource-rich country.

The easing of trade restrictions marks another step in the improvement of relations between the two countries and could give a political boost to the former general now leading changes in Myanmar, also known as Burma.