Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday underlined the need for giving a big push to the textile industry as it had great potential for employment generation.
Speaking at a function organised by the All-Pakistan Textile Manufacturers' Association (APTMA) at Lahore, Sukhbir said the textile industry of both Punjabs should join hands and complement each other.

He said the textile industry was quite developed in Pakistan as it constituted more than 70% of the country's exports, adding that the Akali-BJP government in Punjab was actively pursuing the initiative of a textile park in the Malwa region.

Inviting an APTMA delegation to Punjab, Sukhbir said textile manufacturers of both Punjabs should explore the possibility of a joint venture to excel in competitive goods. He said the APTMA delegation should visit Punjab and discuss the opportunities available in the textile sector.

Lauding the improvement in India-Pakistan trade ties, Sukhbir said the pre-dominant population on both sides of the border sincerely desired so, adding that both governments would have to bend before the collective will of the people.

Earlier, APTMA office-bearers spoke about the progress of the textile industry in Pakistan Punjab and honoured Sukhbir and his cabinet colleagues with mementoes.