European Union Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs on Tuesday voiced support and encouragement for Myanmar's current change and reform, saying that such measures may lead to easing of sanctions on the country.

Telling the press before wrapping up his three-day visit to Myanmar in Yangon, Piebalgs said "the measures will be fully reviewed in April. The conduct of the by-elections on April 1 and the release of political prisoners will influence the outcome".

In constructive talks with President U Thein Sein and speaker of the House of Representatives U Shwe Mann, Piebalgs announced a new aid package of 150 million euros (200 million U.S. dollars) for the next two years, which he said almost doubles EU aid since 1996.

The fund, which will beef up the current support provided through the United Nations and non-governmental organizations since 1996, will finance projects in the areas of health, education and livelihood, he said.

He disclosed that the aid since 1996 had been able to help almost 90,000 people to cultivate the land and have access to food, bring 6 million children to school or training and treat 2 million people from malaria and 600,000 from HIV.

He also expressed readiness to increase aid to foster Myanmar's development in the coming years when market access is restored.

He commended the government for the significant progress in advancing the peace process with armed groups, agreeing with the government "to explore support for the peace process in the ethnic states".

He discussed with the government on cooperation in the issues of human rights, rule of law and release of political prisoners.

He encouraged the government to ensure a free and fair electoral process during the campaign and on election day.

Piebalgs hoped that after April by-election, Myanmar and the EU could engage in a new chapter of political, economic and development cooperation.

He added that he had an open and constructive meeting with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and visited an EU-funded project in Dala township.

At the press briefing, Piebalgs told Xinhua that EU will open a representative office in Yangon to manage aid programs by the end of April.

In January, European Union foreign ministers, recognizing Myanmar's political reforms, had agreed to ease travel restrictions on its senior government officials.