Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a significant meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby on Friday. He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen trade relations between Punjab and Canada, particularly with the province of British Columbia. Mann believes this expansion will deliver tangible benefits for businesses and people on both sides.
Building on a Strong Foundation
During the discussions, Chief Minister Mann highlighted the existing strong partnership. "Canada has always been a strong partner for India and Punjab," Mann stated. "We deeply value this relationship. We appreciate the robust trade and investment ties between Canada and Punjab. We now look forward to strengthening this foundation even further."
Mann specifically pointed to the vital role of the Punjabi diaspora in Canada. He described them as a strong bridge for commercial and cultural exchange. The Punjab government now aims to deepen these connections through targeted cultural and educational programmes.
Major Invitations Extended
The Chief Minister extended two key invitations to Canadian partners. First, he formally invited Canada to participate as a partner country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit in 2026.
"PPIS 2026 will include special business delegations, sectoral sessions, and high-level roundtable conferences," Mann explained. "This will further strengthen our trade and cultural exchange."
Second, Mann invited leading Canadian universities to explore establishing campuses in Mohali. He positioned Mohali as an education and skill development hub for Punjab and neighbouring states, offering significant advantages for Canadian institutions.
Focus on Key Sectors and Opportunities
Mann outlined a clear vision for collaboration. "Our objective is to attract Canadian technology and service companies," he said. "We want them to establish IT and ITeS operations and Global Capability Centers in Mohali."
He expressed Punjab's full readiness and enthusiasm to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance. Mann listed Punjab's leadership areas: agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services, and renewable energy. He called Punjab an ideal destination for Canadian investors.
The Chief Minister noted a strong alignment between British Columbia's expertise and Punjab's development priorities. "British Columbia's strengths in sustainable farming, food security, and greenhouse technologies align perfectly with Punjab's agricultural modernisation goals," Mann observed. He foresaw significant opportunities in precision farming, post-harvest systems, and value-added food processing.
Expanding into Education and Healthcare
Education emerged as another promising area for partnership. Mann emphasized that collaborations with Canadian universities in research and vocational training could have a transformative impact on Punjab's skill development landscape.
Mann also highlighted immense opportunities in healthcare and life sciences. He pointed to potential for Canadian firms in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telemedicine within Punjab.
Renewable energy remains a shared priority. The Chief Minister explicitly welcomed joint ventures in solar parks and bio-energy projects, signaling Punjab's commitment to sustainable development alongside economic growth.
The meeting in Chandigarh marks a proactive step by the Punjab government to forge deeper international ties. It focuses on creating concrete opportunities in trade, education, and technology transfer with a key global partner.
