CM Mann Says Punjab Got Strong Investor Response in Japan, Korea

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reported a strong wave of investor interest following his outreach tour to Japan and South Korea, describing the visit as a decisive step toward positioning Punjab as a global industrial hub. The delegation focused on securing new investments, accelerating industrial growth, and creating quality jobs for the state’s youth.

Showcasing Punjab’s Industrial Momentum

Mann said the trip aimed to put Punjab on a high-growth trajectory by deepening partnerships in manufacturing, clean energy, mobility, digital governance, and skill development. He emphasized that the state’s proactive policies and facilitation mechanisms are aligned with the needs of global companies looking for reliable locations to expand operations in India.

Key Engagements in Japan

• Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC): Senior Managing Director Ogawa Kazunori showed keen interest in assessing Punjab’s proposals in industrial development and clean energy. Both sides agreed to continue technical discussions on potential financing avenues, with JBIC welcoming an invitation to a future investors’ summit.
• Aisan Industry Co. Ltd: CEO Tomonori Kai and EVP Toru Nakane conveyed positive interest in evaluating Punjab for future manufacturing and R&D opportunities.
• Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd: Executives Tanaka Hiroki and Suzuki Mari expressed openness to exploring electric mobility, R&D collaboration, and skill-building initiatives, and welcomed ongoing engagement through Invest Punjab, including the 2026 summit.
• Honda Motor Co., Ltd: Department Manager Tatsuya Nakamura and ITO Kiyoshi shared plans to explore component manufacturing in Punjab through Indian partners. Mann assured full facilitation and policy support and invited the company to the 2026 investors’ summit.
• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA): South Asia Department Director General Yamada Tetsuya reaffirmed interest in supporting Punjab through technical cooperation and capacity building, particularly in crop diversification. Discussions also covered urban infrastructure, water management, and skill development, with JICA open to deeper project collaboration.
• Toray Industries: Senior Vice President Hajime Ishii highlighted interest in technical textiles and composites with potential applications in Punjab’s auto and aerospace sectors.
• Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI): Parliamentary Vice Minister Komori Takuo agreed to continue coordination to connect Japanese firms with Invest Punjab.
• Fujitsu Ltd: Jungo Okai, Head of the Technology Business Management Unit, expressed interest in digital governance solutions and said the company would explore Mohali for future projects.
• NEC Corporation: Director Makoto Noda and Manager Miho Hara showed interest in digital initiatives and industrial automation and agreed to evaluate Punjab’s IT ecosystem for collaboration.
• Toppan–Invest Punjab MoU: A non-binding memorandum of understanding was signed to jointly develop a Skilling Excellence Centre aligned with industry needs, aimed at boosting employability and industry-ready talent.
• Indian Diaspora and Local Stakeholders: Meetings centered on strengthening long-term partnerships and catalyzing diaspora-led investments in manufacturing, technology, and services.
• Aichi Steel: At the company’s headquarters, Chairman Fujioka Takahiro and President Ito Toshio welcomed the summit invitation and indicated interest in deeper engagement and expanded investments.

Strategic Collaborations in South Korea

• Seoul Business Agency (SBA): Discussions underscored strong complementarity between Seoul’s technology strengths and Punjab’s growing IT, electronics, and startup ecosystem.
• Korea National Sports University (KNSU): Punjab expressed interest in MoUs for sports-focused training and academic exchanges. KNSU acknowledged Punjab’s sporting achievements and received an invitation to visit Jalandhar, the state’s sports city.
• Tourism Roadshow in Seoul: The event drew an enthusiastic response, with more than ten tour operators exploring opportunities to harness Punjab’s tourism potential.
• Sunjin: The company outlined plans to expand its animal feed capacity in Punjab and explore poultry and dairy business operations in the state.

Talent–Technology Synergy

Mann noted that while Japan and South Korea bring cutting-edge technology, Punjab offers a deep pool of innovative and hardworking talent. He expressed confidence that the upcoming investor summit will catalyze a powerful synergy between technology and talent, accelerating industrialization and inclusive growth across the state.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to ease of doing business, he said Punjab will continue to facilitate investors through transparent policies, rapid approvals, and robust infrastructure. As discussions advance with multiple companies and agencies, the state expects expanded collaboration in manufacturing, clean energy, digital transformation, textiles, automotive components, and skill development—laying the groundwork for sustained job creation and high-value growth.