Myanmar has acted on its promise to join the Open Government Partnership, forming two committees to look after open government initiatives, the President’s office announced.

President Thein Sein (pictured) has pledged to join the partnership by 2016. Governments must meet minimum standards in fiscal transparency, access to information, income and asset disclosures, and citizen engagement to be eligible for membership.

The “leading committee” and “working committee” will help Myanmar meet criteria for membership. They will promote fiscal transparency, provide public information, reduce corruption and increase citizen engagement in policy making and administration.

The two committees are headed by the Union Minister, Ministry of the President’s Office and the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance.

The government will also have to draft an open government action plan with commitments over a two-year period before it can join the community.