WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the launch of the Initiative to Promote Fundamental Labor Rights and Practices in Myanmar by The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the United States of America, Japan, Denmark and the International Labour Organization (ILO):

“Good governance, labor rights, and successful trade relations are inextricably linked.  The United States sets the international standard for good governance and labor rights and should do business with nations that share our values. The Initiative to Promote Fundamental Labor Rights and Practices in Myanmar is an encouraging step towards reforming Myanmar’s labor laws and implementing those reforms.  Strong commitments to good governance and human rights, combined with the tools to fulfill those commitments, level the playing field between the U.S. and our trading partners.  I hope to see more countries in the region take active steps to improve in these areas, and thereby promote productive and fair trade relations.”

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