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Diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Burma are maintained via accredited Ambassadors in Bangkok and Canberra respectively. However, because of the political and human rights situation in Burma, we have a minimal bilateral relationship. New Zealand, both directly and through the United Nations, makes known to the government of Burma its concern about Burma's human rights record, and its limited progress towards genuine political dialogue and democratisation. New Zealand does not consider the November 2010 to have been free or fair. New Zealand acts multilaterally by supporting United Nation’s resolutions on Burma.
New Zealand does not have unilateral sanctions against Burma, including trade sanctions, and the level of trade has traditionally been limited. New Zealand’s exports to Burma are small and fluctuate from year to year. For the year to December 2010, exports were valued at around $16 million and imports from Burma were valued at around $2 million. Dairy products account for around 97% of New Zealand’s exports.
New Zealand and Burma are in contact in the context of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). In July 1997, Burma, along with Laos, became a full member of ASEAN. New Zealand has been an ASEAN Dialogue partner since 1976. Through this ASEAN connection, Burma and New Zealand are members of regional and wider groupings including the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS). Burma and New Zealand are also parties to the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) which entered into force on 1 January 2010. Burma is a member of the United Nations.
Burma has isolated itself from the world for many years since 1962, when General Ne Win seized power. While the isolation eased in the 1980s, following the events of mid-1988, and in particular the violence which accompanied the military takeover in September of that year and the flouting of the 1990 election result, many Western countries adopted policies which reflected their concern about the military government. These included trade sanctions, and restrictions on official level contacts and aid delivery. Many of these policies still remain.
New Zealand does not have a bilateral development assistance programme with Burma, but contributes to humanitarian initiatives delivered through multilateral agencies such as United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations World Food Programme.
New Zealand also supports human resource development in Burma through ASEAN-wide official development assistance programmes including scholarships and English Language training for government officials. New Zealand also funds regional countries’, including Burma’s, participation in human resource development initiatives such as the Mekong Institute at Khon Kaen University in Thailand and other ASEAN-led activities.
The New Zealand aid programme also supports the Burma Young Leaders Project developed by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (CTU). Participants in this project are young Burmese from civil society who have demonstrated leadership potential and are committed to development and community work in, or in relation to, Burma.
There are no direct air links from New Zealand to Burma.
New Zealand does not have any defence linkages with Burma.
All Burmese nationals who apply for entry visas to travel to New Zealand are assessed for any risk to New Zealand’s international reputation. Applicants considered to pose a risk will not be granted visas to travel to New Zealand, unless their entry is considered to be in the national interest.
New Zealand has accepted over 350 refugees from Burma.
Numbers of Burma students in New Zealand are low.
Two-way tourism is currently at a very low level.
Cultural and Business Linkages
Cultural and business linkages are minimal.
Historical visits include visits in the 1970s by the Burma President and later the Deputy Prime Minister. There have been no visits in recent years.
Official Name: Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Land Area:
676,563 sq km
Population: 50 million (IMF mid 2009 estimate)
Capital City: Naypyitaw
Religion: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4%, Islam 4%, Animist 1%, other 2%
Language: Burmese (65%) & 100 minority dialects. There are more than 100 ethnic groups in Burma
Currency: Kyat
Exchange Rate: NZ$1: 4.86kt
Political system:
Has recently transitioned from a military regime to a new form of Presidential republic in which the military plays a significant role.
National government: Union Solidarity and Developement Party
National legislature: Two legislative chambers: the People's Assembly (lower house) and the Nationalities Assembly (upper house). In both assemblies, 25% of seats are reserved for appointees representing the military .
Last election: 7 November 2010 (previously 27 May 1990)
Next election: 2015 (provisional)
Head of State: President Thein Sein.
Key Ministers:
Foreign Minister: Wunna Maung Lwin
Minister of Defence: Major General Hla Min
Minister of Home Affairs: LtGeneral Ko Ko
Minister of Border Affairs: Major General Thein Htay
Key Opposition Figures: The National League for Democracy, while disestablished by the government following its failure to register to participate in the November 2010 elections, continues to operate informally under the leadership of recently released Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Main Political Parties: The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) secured 76% of the seats in a military-engineered victory in the November 2010 election. Another military-aligned party, the National Unity Party (NUP), also won some seats.
An offshoot of the NLD, the National Democratic Force (NDF), contested the election and won 1.4% of the seats. The ethnic-based political groups including the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party and the Shan National Democracy Party won 5% and 3% of the seats respectively.
GDP |
US$ 31.2 billion (2010 EIU estimate) |
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GDP breakdown |
Goods |
68% |
Services |
31.6% |
GDP per capita |
US$500 (2009 EIU estimate) |
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Real GDP growth |
3.1% (2010 EIU estimate) |
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Main exports |
Natural gas, teak and other hardwoods, pulses, garments |
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Principle export destinations |
Thailand, India, China, Japan and the United Kingdom |
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Principle import sources |
China, Singapore, Thailand, Republic of Korea and Malaysia |
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Current account |
US$ 0.9 billion (2010 EIU estimate) |
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Inflation (% change YOY) |
8.5% (2010 EIU estimate) |
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Gross external debt |
US$ 7.3 billion (2010 EIU estimate) |
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New Zealand Trade
NZ Exports (FOB) |
NZ$ 16 million (year to December 2010) |
Main Exports |
Milk and cream, butter, buttermilk, poultry and medicaments |
NZ Imports (CIF) |
NZ$ 2 million (year to December 2010) |
Main Imports |
Wood, plywood, dried vegetables and garments |
Services Trade |
Negligible |
The Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Canberra is accredited to New Zealand.
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
22 Arkana Street
Yarralumla
Canberra
ACT 2600
AUSTRALIA
Ph: (61 6) 6273 3811
(61 6) 6273 3751
Fax (61 6) 6273 4357
The New Zealand Ambassador in Bangkok is cross-accredited to Burma [external link].
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Burma [external link].
Enquiries may be directed to Consular Division at the following numbers: Phone: 00 64 494-8500; Fax: 00 64 494 8506.
