In a significant move to bolster international investment, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is set to embark on a crucial overseas mission to Japan and South Korea. The primary objective is to personally invite global corporations and strengthen economic partnerships for the upcoming 6th Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit, scheduled for March 13–15, 2026.
High-Level Delegation's Itinerary and Core Mission
CM Mann will lead a high-powered team, including State Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora. The delegation's schedule includes visits to Tokyo on December 2–3, followed by Osaka on December 4–5. The team will then proceed to Seoul on December 8–9. The mission has been meticulously coordinated with the Indian Embassies in Japan and South Korea, the Union Ministry of External Affairs, Invest India (DPIIT), and the embassies of Japan and South Korea in New Delhi.
Mann emphasized that the goal is to position Punjab as the top choice for global industry by offering policy stability, rapid decision-making, and a governance system that values investors' time and trust. He stated that the state's strategy is founded on a partnership model, where the government acts as an enabler by understanding industry needs.
Showcasing Punjab's Investment-Ready Ecosystem
During roadshows and one-on-one meetings, the delegation will present Punjab's compelling value proposition. Key highlights include:
- Strategic Location: Punjab's position as North India's preferred investment hub with seamless connectivity to the NCR and major ports.
- Robust Infrastructure: The state boasts strong industrial clusters, uninterrupted quality power supply, a skilled workforce, and progressive policies.
- Governance Reforms: Landmark initiatives like the FastTrack Punjab single-window system (offering 173+ G2B services), auto-deemed approvals, and PAN-based business identifiers.
- Industrial Assets: Promotion of plug-and-play parks and the upcoming Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Rajpura.
The government will underscore that it has already facilitated over Rs 1.4 lakh crore in on-ground investments through its 'Invest Punjab' initiative.
Target Sectors and Engaging the Diaspora
The outreach will specifically target Japanese and South Korean companies in high-growth sectors such as:
- Mobility and Auto Components
- Electronics and ESDM (Electronics System Design & Manufacturing)
- Food Processing and Chemicals
- Green Energy, IT, and Semiconductors
- Textiles and Advanced Manufacturing
These curated engagements aim to foster deeper economic ties, joint ventures, technology exchange, and supply-chain integration. Additionally, the delegation will hold diaspora interactions in Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul to strengthen cultural and community bonds with the Indian-origin population abroad.
Pre-Summit Momentum and Past Context
This international tour is part of a broader pre-summit outreach. The Punjab government has already conducted key roundtables in New Delhi with Japan, GCC, and CIS nations, generating strong interest. Domestic roadshows have also been held in Gurugram, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
The move follows CM Mann's visit to Germany in September 2022. While that trip saw engagements with firms like BayWa on agricultural issues, an announcement regarding BMW setting up an auto component unit in Punjab was later denied by the BMW Group India, highlighting the nuanced nature of such investment diplomacy.
Ultimately, CM Mann's message is clear: Punjab is open for business and views industry as an equal partner in driving the state's growth narrative forward.
