Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Punjab has begun a major push to attract global investment with the launch of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann saying the state is ready to take a “big leap” towards becoming a leading industrial hub in the country.
The summit has drawn industrialists and investors from across the world, with the state government hoping the three-day event will generate fresh investments and expansion plans from major companies.
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“Today the Invest Punjab Summit has started. It is an important event in which industrialists from all over the world have come here,” Mann said while addressing the gathering.
INDUSTRIALISTS EXPLORE EXPANSION IN PUNJAB
Mann said several established companies already operating in the state are looking to expand their presence.
“Big industrialists who have decided to invest in Punjab have come here. We have welcomed them and they have shared their experience in Punjab,” he said.
Among those who spoke about their operations in the state were companies such as Vardhman, Monte Carlo and Sonalika.
“They have shared their experience in Punjab and they want to expand their business,” Mann said.
The chief minister described the start of the summit as encouraging.
“It is a very good opening. Punjab is taking a big leap for the industrial hub,” he said.
GOVERNMENT PITCHES INFRASTRUCTURE AND WORKFORCE
Mann said Punjab offers a range of advantages for investors, including infrastructure, power availability and skilled manpower.
“Everything is available that an industrialist needs,” he said.
“If you want an international airport, it is just a five to ten-minute drive. If you want power, it is a power surplus state. If you want cheap power or skilled workers, it is available here.”
He added that the state’s universities also play an important role in creating a trained workforce.
“There are good universities available here. This is what attracts them. Punjab fulfils all the conditions,” Mann said.
GLOBAL PARTNERS AT THE SUMMIT
The summit is being held with participation from several international partners.
Mann said Korea, Japan and the United Kingdom are partner countries for the event.
“Their sessions will also be held during the summit,” he said, adding that the discussions are expected to encourage new investment proposals.
“I hope that in these three days Punjab will see a lot of growth in the industry,” Mann said.
“Punjab will take a big step to become the number one province in the country.”
KEJRIWAL SPEAKS ON GLOBAL COMPETITION
At the summit, Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also addressed party workers and spoke about economic competition on the global stage.
He said the country must strengthen itself to compete with China.
“Now we have just one goal, to defeat China,” Kejriwal told party workers.
He assured supporters that whatever resources are required to achieve this objective would be provided, calling for a strong response to the economic and strategic challenge posed by Beijing.
GOVT PITCHES NEW INDUSTRIAL CHAPTER
The Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab unit described the summit as the start of a new phase for the state’s industrial development.
“A new chapter begins for Punjab’s industrial future,” the party said in a message on social media.
“With the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, Punjab’s industrial progress will gain new momentum.”
The party said the state government believes Punjab has the necessary conditions to become a major industrial centre and that the summit will help accelerate investment and economic growth in the state.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
