US Sen James Inhofe told Burmese President Thein Sein on Wednesday that US energy companies are ready to invest in the country’s economy. The Republican senator from Oklahoma said that “US companies, especially those in the oil and gas sectors, can play a positive role in demonstrating high standards of responsible business conduct and encourage free market policies,” while also protecting human rights, according to a report by UPI. However, human rights groups have signed a declaration expressing “grave concern” over the decision last year to allow US investors into the country.