The U.S. has eased sanctions on Burma to permit non-governmental U.S. groups into the country for humanitarian and development work.

The U.S. Treasury announced Tuesday that it would allow not-for-profit activities between Americans and Burmese as the East Asian nation undertakes democratic reforms after decades of military rule.

The move taken by the Obama administration follows a sweeping victory by Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party in by-elections earlier this month.

The administration has said it also plans to gradually ease restrictions to eventually allow some U.S. investment in Burma and the export of other financial services.