Burma: Business or Principals?

Burma: Business or Principals?

Burma, a country that suffered a military coup in 1962, is now the center of a big controversy in Canada, United State and The European Union. What to do, commercially speaking, with a "Military Junta" that has openly violated Human Rights and, at the same time, is eager to increase commerce with others countries? Aung San Suu Kyi, a political activist in Burma and General Secretary of the National League for Democracy, has had a very clear stance in this regard: "No new investments in Burma".

Although, for some time, these policies of no investments worked, private businesses between Canada and Burma, opposite of what everyone expected, have increased, under the gaze of the Canadian Trade Commission Service. From 1997 to 2000, importation from Burma raised almost 200% and business continued to grow.

"Canadian Friends of Burma" (Human Rights Group), raised their voices in protest when they found that the Canadian government has, even recommended, dealing directly with the "Junta Controlled Holding Company" to operate business in this country. Mining sector is a good example of this "business - relation underground" policies. Ivanhoe Mines Inc., a Yukon company operating in Burma, has no knowledge of an official government communication or any agreement that prevents doing business with Burma.

E.D.C (Export Development Canada), is an organization that promotes products made in Canada to be exported to others countries, amazingly, this export-financing arm of the government, provides help to any company that wants to do business with Burma. As Mr. David Kho wrote: "It looks like business as usual for Canada".