Key facts
- Japan is pushing the FATF to remove Myanmar from its blacklist.
- Removing Myanmar would ease checks on business dealings.
- Myanmar was added to the FATF blacklist in October 2022.
- The US held high-level talks with Myanmar's government last month.
Japan is urging the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove Myanmar from its blacklist, a move that would ease business transactions with the country. This effort signifies a potential shift by some nations towards re-engaging with Myanmar's military-backed government, which came to power after a 2021 coup. The FATF, a global financial crimes watchdog, will conclude its latest meeting on Friday. Myanmar was placed on the blacklist in October 2022 due to concerns over money laundering, terrorist financing, and the growth of illicit activities like scam centers. The United States recently held high-level talks with Myanmar's government, focusing on issues including scam centers and potential access to rare earth deposits.