Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has arrived in South Korea, marking the second leg of his international investment tour following a visit to Japan. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader commenced his South Korea schedule with a detailed briefing session with India's Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Gourangalal Das, in Seoul.
Pitching Punjab as a Strategic Gateway
During the meeting with Ambassador Das, Chief Minister Mann elaborated on the Punjab government's vision to build stronger economic and technological ties with South Korea. He specifically identified high-growth sectors for potential collaboration, which include food processing, agri-technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and urban infrastructure.
An official stated that Mann highlighted the state's evolving industrial landscape, its progressive policies, and the competitive advantages that make Punjab a strategic gateway to the vast North Indian market. The discussion set the stage for a series of high-level engagements planned for the delegation.
Packed Schedule with Korean Giants and Tech Valley
On Monday, the Punjab delegation is set for a busy day of meetings aimed at attracting Korean investment. The itinerary begins with interactions with major Korean corporations like Daewoo E&C, GS E&C, and Nongshim. These talks will focus on exploring opportunities in construction engineering, large-scale infrastructure development, and advanced food processing technologies.
Subsequently, the Chief Minister will participate in a roundtable discussion on 'Ease of Doing Business in Punjab'. This session, expected to be attended by leading legal firms, financial investors, advisory groups, and business associations, aims to provide Korean stakeholders with a transparent view of Punjab's governance reforms and investor-friendly facilitation framework.
The delegation will then visit the Pangyo Techno Valley, South Korea's premier hub for innovation and technology. The visit is intended to study best practices in research & development (R&D), fostering start-up ecosystems, and developing high-tech industrial parks, models that could be adapted in Punjab.
Focus on Defence and Diaspora Engagement
The day's formal engagements will conclude with a focused meeting with the Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA). This interaction is strategically important to explore potential collaborations in defence manufacturing, aerospace technologies, and developing future-ready industrial capabilities within Punjab.
Earlier, during an interactive community program with the vibrant Punjabi diaspora in Seoul, CM Mann made a direct appeal. He stated that due to the industrial-friendly policies of his government, investors are already lining up to invest in Punjab. He urged the Punjabi community in Seoul to act as brand ambassadors for the state and help attract more Korean investments.
The Chief Minister also showcased specific governance reforms undertaken by his administration to ease business operations. These include:
- The FastTrack Punjab single-window system which offers 173 services.
- Provisions for auto-deemed approvals to reduce bureaucratic delays.
- The introduction of PAN-based business identifiers for simplification.
- Recent amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act enabling time-bound in-principle approvals for projects.
This investment outreach to East Asia underscores the Punjab government's concerted effort to position the state as a premier destination for global capital and cutting-edge technology, driving job creation and economic growth.
