In a significant move to attract global capital, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has embarked on a ten-day international outreach mission to Japan and South Korea. The high-level delegation aims to strengthen economic partnerships and personally invite global companies to the upcoming 6th Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit in Mohali.
Delegation's Agenda and Key Destinations
The delegation, which includes Industries & Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora, senior officials, and an Invest Punjab team, has a packed schedule. Their itinerary includes Tokyo on December 2-3, followed by Osaka on December 4-5. After a brief break, the team will proceed to Seoul on December 8-9. The visit is coordinated with Indian embassies, the Ministry of External Affairs, and Invest India.
The core objective is to position Punjab as north India's premier investment hub. The state will showcase its strategic advantages, including seamless connectivity to the NCR and major ports, robust industrial clusters, and an uninterrupted supply of quality power. The delegation will also highlight Punjab's skilled workforce and progressive policy environment designed to facilitate business.
Showcasing Reforms and Infrastructure
A major focus will be on presenting the state's landmark governance reforms. These include the FastTrack Punjab single-window system, auto-deemed approvals, and the use of PAN-based business identifiers. Recent amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act, which enable time-bound in-principle approvals, will also be emphasized.
The outreach will further detail Punjab's advanced industrial infrastructure. This encompasses ready-to-occupy plug-and-play parks and the upcoming Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Rajpura. The government will underline that initiatives under Invest Punjab have already facilitated on-ground investments worth over Rs 1.4 lakh crore, demonstrating a proven track record.
Strengthening Diaspora Links and Industry Partnership
Beyond corporate meetings, the delegation will hold special interactions with the Indian diaspora in Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul. These sessions are intended to strengthen cultural and community linkages with the Indian-origin population in these countries.
Chief Minister Mann outlined the state's clear vision. "Our goal is to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering policy stability, speedy decision-making, and a governance system that respects investors' time and trust," he said. He emphasized that Punjab's approach is based on partnership, with the government acting as an enabler of growth by understanding industry needs.
Mann also highlighted the creation of 24 sectoral committees chaired by industry captains to formulate tailored policies. "Industrial growth can only be achieved when we work as equal partners," he stated, noting that this principle shaped the New Industrial Policy introduced in 2022.
Minister Sanjeev Arora described the mission as a crucial step to forge new economic relationships, provide aftercare for existing foreign industries, and enhance Punjab's branding as a prime investment destination. The Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit is scheduled for March 13-15 at ISB Mohali, where the outcomes of this outreach are expected to be showcased.
