Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has embarked on a significant mission to position his state as a top-tier investment hub for global players. On Tuesday, the first day of his official visit to Japan, Mann held pivotal discussions with top Japanese business leaders and government officials, urging them to channel investments into Punjab to fuel mutual growth.
High-Profile Meetings with Japanese Industry Titans
The Chief Minister engaged in detailed talks with representatives from a host of major Japanese corporations and financial institutions. His itinerary included meetings with officials from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Aisan Industry, Yamaha, Honda Motor, Toray Industries, and Fujitsu Ltd. Mann also met with the director general of JICA's South Asia Department and the parliamentary vice-minister of economy, trade and industry.
During these interactions, Mann showcased Punjab as the preferred investment destination and strongly encouraged the business tycoons to invest in the border state to give a substantial boost to their ventures. He argued that strategic tie-ups with Japan in crucial sectors would be transformative.
Focus on Key Sectors and Shared Values
The CM specifically batted for collaborations in advanced manufacturing, mobility, electronics, food processing, renewable energy, and global services. He invited the Japanese companies to explore the burgeoning possibilities in Punjab, emphasizing that the state's future economic landscape is being built around these very industries.
Mann reiterated that Punjab and Japan share core values of trust, quality, discipline, and long-term commitment. He pointed out that these shared principles form a solid foundation for a fruitful partnership. The state government, he assured, is fully dedicated to strengthening this relationship and building a future of shared prosperity through robust economic and cultural ties.
Invitation to the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit
A key highlight of Mann's pitch was the formal invitation extended to the Japanese investors for the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit. The high-profile event is scheduled to be held from March 13 to 15 at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Mohali.
Mann stated that the summit will serve as a premier platform to showcase Punjab's progress, bring together leading industrial players, and present new opportunities for partnership and collaboration. He expressed confidence that Japanese participation would be a significant value addition to the event.
Highlighting Punjab's inherent strengths, the Chief Minister described the state as a land known for courage, resilience, hard work, entrepreneurship, creativity, and a strong sense of community. He noted Punjab's historic role in India's development, particularly in achieving national self-reliance in food production.
Positive Response and Government Assurance
The diplomatic and business outreach yielded a positive response. In a post on social media platform X, Mann shared, "Companies expressed keen enthusiasm in investing in Punjab. Such investments will not only create employment opportunities for our youth but also accelerate the state's economic growth. We also assured them of complete support from the government on all fronts."
An official accompanying the delegation added that the Japanese companies, buoyed by the red-carpet welcome extended by the Chief Minister, showed keen interest in exploring investment avenues in the state. Mann highlighted that several well-known Japanese firms have already placed their trust in Punjab and demonstrated strong success, setting a precedent for others.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo
Apart from the business agenda, Chief Minister Mann began his Japan visit on a symbolic note by paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Edogawa Gandhi Park in Tokyo. Reflecting on the Mahatma's legacy, Mann said Gandhi was perhaps the only leader globally who won the battle for freedom through his steadfast ideology of non-violence.
He urged everyone, especially the youth, to perpetuate the life and philosophy of the Father of the Nation by imbibing the ethos of non-violence, harmony, and peace in their daily lives.
