Burmese protest against proposed import ban

Burmese workers and business leaders have protested against a proposed US law banning garment imports from Burma.

In an open letter to the United States embassy in Rangoon, textile workers said the law, if approved, would damage the livelihood of 300,000 people.

And the vice-president of Burma's official Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Htain Win, said the law would result in heavy job losses in the country's 400 garment factories, which employ mostly unskilled young women.

American legislators proposed an import ban in response to the alleged practice of forced labour in the industry.

Last year the International Labour Organisation called on member countries to consider taking tougher action against Burma - including possible trade sanctions.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service