US-ASEAN Business Council Applauds Launch of First Ever Congressional Burma Caucus
(Washington, D.C.) – The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) strongly supports the formation of a bipartisan Congressional Burma Caucus, announced today by Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), in the wake of the Myanmar military coup's third anniversary. The caucus aims to enhance awareness and dialogue on Myanmar-related issues within the U.S. Congress and Administration.
Since Myanmar's political and economic opening in 2012, USABC and its member companies have spearheaded efforts to develop Myanmar's institutional, legal, and policy frameworks for an inclusive and sustainable economy. Despite setbacks caused by the military coup, USABC remains committed to supporting Myanmar's potential by investing in youth education. Through its non-profit arm, USABC established the Myanmar Scholarship Fund in 2022, which has funded over 100 disenfranchised Myanmar students to continue their higher education journeys in the United States.
"We commend Congressman Huizenga and Congresswoman McCollum for their vision and leadership in launching the first-ever Congressional Burma Caucus," said Ambassador Ted Osius, President & CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council. "The increasing attention to Myanmar and ASEAN, both on Capitol Hill and in the Biden Administration, underscores the region's strategic importance to the United States. We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to find a viable path forward for Myanmar, while ensuring stability and prosperity in the region."
"USABC reiterates our earlier calls to the Biden Administration for the appointment of a dedicated U.S. Special Envoy for Myanmar and hopes to work closely with the caucus in accomplishing this task." said Jack Myint, Country Director for Myanmar at the US-ASEAN Business Council. "The escalating humanitarian crisis and shifting power dynamics in Myanmar necessitate a fresh approach in U.S. foreign policy thinking. Today’s launch of the Congressional Burma Caucus is timely and crucial in ensuring that U.S. policy towards Myanmar remains principled, proactive, and effective."