Myanmar’s Ministry of Information has signed a high-value agreement with a Washington-based lobbying firm, DCI Group, in an effort to improve its relationship with the United States. The deal, worth $3 million per year, was made public through official documents filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The agreement was signed on July 31, the same day Myanmar’s military government announced a shift to an “interim civilian-led administration”.
Despite this announcement, the military still holds strong control over the country. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 military coup, continues to serve as both acting president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. This move, while appearing like a change, leaves the power structure mostly the same.
The newly signed deal comes at a time when Myanmar is facing global criticism and isolation due to its military-led government. With this contract, the country is seeking to reshape its image and re-establish ties with the United States government.
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A Focus on Trade, Natural Resources, and Aid
The lobbying firm, the DCI Group, is now officially registered to work on behalf of Myanmar in the US. According to the FARA filing, the firm’s job is to help Myanmar rebuild diplomatic and economic relations with the United States. The main areas of focus include trade, natural resources, and humanitarian relief.
Two top executives from DCI Group signed the agreement on August 1: Justin Peterson, a managing partner who previously served in the Trump administration, and Brian McCabe, also a managing partner. Their role will be to shape public opinion and influence government policies in favor of Myanmar.
This contract comes after earlier lobbying efforts failed. In 2021, an Israeli-Canadian lobbyist who had been hired to represent Myanmar in Washington and other capitals ceased working after the US imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s military leaders. The sanctions made it impossible for him to legally receive payment for his services.
Now, with this new lobbying contract, questions are being raised again about whether US sanctions could interfere with the agreement. So far, the US Treasury Department, the DCI Group, the US State Department, and Myanmar’s embassy in Washington have not responded to media questions about the issue.
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Myanmar’s Outreach to the US Continues Despite Sanctions
The military government in Myanmar has shown interest in building closer ties with the United States, especially under President Donald Trump’s administration. This became clearer when President Trump sent a signed letter directly to Min Aung Hlaing, warning about possible new tariffs on Myanmar’s exports to the US.
In response, Min Aung Hlaing praised Trump for his “strong leadership” and requested lower tariffs and a lifting of sanctions. He also offered to send a negotiating team to Washington if needed, showing his interest in diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, the DCI Group has faced its own controversies. In a previous report, it was revealed that the FBI had launched an investigation into the firm over its alleged involvement in a hack-and-leak operation targeting critics of oil giant Exxon Mobil, one of DCI’s clients. The DCI Group has denied the allegations, stating that it instructs all its employees and consultants to strictly follow the law.
Now, with this latest deal, the firm takes on a new challenge: representing a country still ruled by its military. The $3 million per year agreement shows how far Myanmar’s government is willing to go to try and restore its position with one of the world’s most powerful nations.
