kerry USUnited States plans to renew the bulk of its sanctions against Myanmar when they expire next week. But will make some changes aimed at boosting investment and trade, according to several senior US officials and congressional aides. An announcement on extending much of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act could come as soon as Tuesday ahead of a visit to the Southeast Asian nation by Secretary of State John Kerry on May 22nd.

The US Treasury Department has significantly eased sanctions against Myanmar by issuing general licenses that give companies and investors exemptions to sanctions targeting more than 100 individuals and businesses, including some of Myanmar’s biggest business players. US officials began lifting trade and financial sanctions against the country after military leaders launched reforms that led to a civilian government being formed in 2011, beginning its transformation from a half century as an international pariah.