Former commerce minister Gohar Ejaz has said Pakistan can increase its textile exports from around $19 billion to $50 billion by reviving cotton production and addressing key policy problems facing the industry.

Speaking at a press conference at the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) House in Lahore on Monday, Ejaz said the association had been pushing for higher cotton production for the past five years.

He criticized the expansion of sugarcane cultivation, saying it requires more water and has reduced the land available for cotton.

Ejaz said Pakistan needs to restore cotton production to strengthen its textile industry and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. He noted that local textile exporters currently import cotton from countries including the United States and Brazil despite generating around $19 billion in exports.

Ejaz also called for APTMA to be consulted on government policies affecting the textile sector.

He said Pakistan has an opportunity to strengthen its position in international markets and take advantage of what he described as growing global recognition of the country’s leadership.