The Obama administration has taken new steps to loosen sanctions on Burma following a series of reforms by the ruling junta. In a meeting at the U.N. General Assembly, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Burmese President Thein Sein that the United States will ease its ban on imports from Burma.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “We have watched as you and your government have continued the steady process of reform, and we’ve been pleased to respond with specific steps that recognize the government’s efforts and encourage further reform. And in recognition of the continued progress toward reform and in response to requests from both the government and the opposition, the United States is taking the next step in normalizing our commercial relationship.”