As per All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), it contributes more than 50 per cent to the country's exports, i.e. over $11 billion out total annual exports of $23 billion as on 2017-18. APTMA is the premier textile industry association representing members from corporate sector and manufacturing and export of textile and clothing products

The spokesperson stated the textile industry has a potential of adding another $24 billion to exports on a fast track subject to positive policy initiatives. Various non-textile exports also pass through the hands of APTMA members. He stressed the burgeoning gap of trade deficit can only be met through devising an export-led growth policy. Therefore, those advocating for the support of domestic industry are not well wishers of the country as well as the government, as restoration of competitiveness of export-led industry is a must to regain the lost share in the international marketplace.

Already, the anti-export approach witnessed a decline of country's exports from $35 billion to $20 billion in 2016-17. Unfortunately, certain vested interests have started campaign against exporting industry, generating forex, direct and indirect employment besides backward and forward linkages.