Chandigarh — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday strongly advocated a strategic partnership between Punjab and the United Kingdom to further develop the state as a major hub for investment and manufacturing. The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the UK High Commission, led by Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio, held in Chandigarh.
During the interaction, both sides expressed a clear commitment to strengthening business and economic ties. Chief Minister Mann highlighted Punjab’s growing potential as an investment destination and described Mohali as one of the best-planned and well-organized cities globally. He said Punjab has all the necessary ingredients to emerge as a manufacturing powerhouse, supported by skilled manpower, modern infrastructure and a progressive policy environment.
The Chief Minister also referred to the strong aspiration among Punjab’s students to pursue education and professional opportunities in the UK through legal and safe routes. He assured the delegation of the state government’s full cooperation in facilitating such pathways, while also emphasizing the importance of global exposure and skill development for the youth.
Addressing transnational challenges, Chief Minister Mann said issues such as organized crime and gangster networks go beyond national boundaries. He stated that the Punjab government is ready to cooperate fully with UK authorities on legal matters and any assistance required to tackle such challenges effectively.
Inviting UK companies to invest in Punjab, the Chief Minister extended a “red-carpet welcome” to potential investors and positioned the state as a priority destination for global businesses. He highlighted the strength of the Punjabi diaspora across the world and identified key sectors offering strong investment opportunities, including agro machinery, food processing, information technology and allied industries.
The Chief Minister informed the delegation that Punjab offers a robust and investor-friendly ecosystem, including reasonable power tariffs, availability of land and a supportive administrative framework. He said the state ranks number one in Ease of Doing Business and has an efficient and transparent Single Window system for investor approvals. He further noted that Punjab has become the first state in the country to enact the Right to Business Act, reflecting its commitment to creating a conducive business environment.
Chief Minister Mann invited the UK delegation to actively participate in the upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors Summit (PPIS), scheduled to be held in Mohali in March. He described Punjab as the “Land of Opportunities” and said that several globally renowned companies are keen to establish their presence in the state, a clear indicator of its stable law-and-order situation.
Highlighting Mohali’s strategic advantages, the Chief Minister said the city has an international airport and access to a vast talent pool within a 100-kilometre radius, making it an ideal investment destination. He expressed confidence that Mohali has the potential to become the “next Silicon Valley” due to its growing IT ecosystem and innovation-driven environment.
He urged the UK delegation to explore various regions of Punjab to identify opportunities across diverse sectors, stating that increased investment would not only accelerate economic growth but also generate large-scale employment for the state’s youth.
Responding to the discussions, the UK Deputy High Commissioner acknowledged the global influence of the Punjabi diaspora and noted that significant funds are available for investment in Punjab. Both sides agreed to continue engagement and strengthen ties for mutual growth, progress and prosperity, with a shared focus on boosting trade, commerce and long-term economic cooperation.
