*Global industry leaders hail Punjab as emerging investment hub under leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel, JSW Group and Trident Group announce major expansion and investment plans in Punjab*

*Industry captains praise Punjab Govt's investor-friendly policies, commit thousands of crores in new investments*

*Punjab emerging as major industrial hub alongside agriculture under leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann: Global industry leaders*

SAS NAGAR, 13 March 2026:Captains of industry from across the globe on Friday hailed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for transforming Punjab into a major investment destination during the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit, with leading industrialists praising the policies of the Punjab Government and announcing fresh investments and expansion plans in the state.

Executive Chairman of the world’s leading steel company ArcelorMittal Lakshmi N Mittal said, “It is a great honour for me to be in Punjab because this land teaches hard work, resilience and generosity. Punjab is not only a state but a spirit of energy, courage and the determination to keep moving forward. Punjabis have a unique identity wherever they are in the world because of their unprecedented hard work and devotion.”

He added, “Punjabis have created empires with firm commitment from farms to trades across the globe. The Bathinda refinery is a strong foundation for the upcoming industry in Punjab with the latest technologies. We have made investments worth more than ₹60,000 crore in Punjab which is the biggest investment in Punjab so far. In view of the current LPG shortage, the refinery has increased production from 1000 tonnes to 3000 tonnes per day. With the constant support of the Punjab Government, we have also established a mega world-scale petrochemical complex at an outlay of ₹26,000 crore which is giving a major boost to MSMEs and accelerating social and economic growth in Punjab.”

Lakshmi N Mittal further announced new expansion plans and said, “Our company will enhance its participation in renewable and sustainable energy. We will enter the petrol pump sector by setting up 500 fuel stations using modern technology and artificial intelligence. The first petrol pump in Punjab will be started in Bathinda shortly. I appreciate the cooperation of the Punjab Government and the personal interest taken by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann in giving priority to the industrial sector and its rapid growth. The partnership between our company and the Punjab Government to strengthen the industrial sector in Punjab will be long lasting and we are ready to contribute even more to Punjab’s industrial growth.”

Sharing his views, Hero Enterprise Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal said, “The Punjab Government is making serious efforts to bring Punjab back on the industrial track. Punjab was once a leading state economically in the country and now strong efforts are being made to transform it again through industrial development, progressive agriculture and focus on technology, education, healthcare and real estate. This event will go a long way in translating an industrial revolution in Punjab with industry-friendly policies.”

He further added, “Today India and Indians enjoy a reputation globally like never before and we must take full advantage of this opportunity to build momentum and accelerate growth. It is important to maintain this pace to take Punjab among the leading states of the country, because many sectors depend on each other for development. I also appreciate CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for introducing several path-breaking initiatives that are accelerating the economic growth of Punjab.”

CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel Limited T. V. Narendran said, “I compliment the Punjab Government, especially CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, for turning the Tata project in Ludhiana into a reality which is now in the advanced stage of inauguration. We have had an outstanding experience in Punjab. Our project was approved two years ago and it has been smoothly executed due to the constant support and cooperation extended by the Punjab Government.”

He further said, “This plant will be among the latest facilities using energy-efficient technologies to produce greener and cleaner steel in the world. Tata is coming with this ₹3200 crore steel plant and this is just the beginning. Much more investment will follow in the coming time.”

Addressing the gathering, Rajya Sabha MP and Trident Group Chairman Rajinder Gupta said, “This is truly a new beginning for Punjab as the Punjab Government has introduced impressive policies for industry which are creating history. These new policies address the issues and concerns of industrial stakeholders, particularly youngsters, the environment and high-tech sectors.”

He also announced, “The Trident Group will invest ₹5000 crore in Punjab over the next two years and will create more than 10,000 job opportunities in the textile sector including 5,000 jobs for women.”

Rajinder Gupta further said, “The Punjab Government deserves appreciation for its sincere efforts to ensure a new dawn in the industrial sector. The day is not far when Punjab will once again be counted among the top ten states in total industrial growth. It is the right time for Punjab to further excel in this sector. The growth of Punjab in the industrial sector is unprecedented and unmatched.”

JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal also announced expansion plans and said, “I have deep Punjabi roots and I am proud to be associated with Punjab’s growth story. We will expand our Rajpura plant and invest ₹3000 crore to enhance capacity in the steel sector.”

He added, “Punjab has traditionally been known for agriculture but today it is emerging as a vibrant industrial hub due to the progressive and investor-friendly policies introduced by the Punjab Government under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. Entrepreneurship runs in the blood of Punjabis and they continue to make Punjab proud across every corner of the world. I also commend the Punjab Government for organising the Invest Punjab Summit and for its proactive initiatives which are positioning Punjab as one of India’s leading destinations for industry and growth.”

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*PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB INVESTORS’ SUMMIT 2026: MOHALI TO EMERGE AS THE SILICON VALLEY, SAYS INDUSTRIES MINISTER SANJEEV ARORA*

*— CABINET MINISTER ANNOUNCES NEW START-UP HUB ON LINES OF SOUTH KOREA’S PANGYO VALLEY AT KALKAT BHAVAN*

*— SANJEEV ARORA HIGHLIGHTS IT, HOSPITALITY, EDUCATION AND MEDICAL SECTORS AS KEY GROWTH DRIVERS*

*— IT COMPANIES TO GET CHEAPEST POWER IN THE COUNTRY UNDER NEW POLICY REFORMS; WORKER SUBSIDIES INCREASED: SANJEEV ARORA*

*— OUR FOCUS IS TO BRING MOHALI ON MAP OF ASIA: PRINCIPAL SECRETARY VIKAS GARG*

CHANDIGARH/MOHALI, March 13:Asserting that Mohali is rapidly emerging as a major technology and startup hub under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government Sanjeev Arora on Friday envisioned a transformative future for Mohali, stating that the city is rapidly on its way to becoming the "Silicon Valley”.

Addressing a high-powered session titled "Brand Mohali" on the first day of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 at Plaksha University, the Minister emphasised that Mohali is no longer just a satellite town but a global technology and start-up destination.

Minister Sanjeev Arora announced that the Punjab government is establishing a dedicated start-up hub at Kalkat Bhavan, modeled after the world-renowned Pangyo Techno Valley in South Korea. “Just as South Korea has its Silicon Valley, Punjab will soon have its own in Mohali. Our Chief Minister has already granted permission for this project, which will serve as a nerve centre for innovation,” said the Minister.

Highlighting the competitive edge of the new Industrial Policy, the Minister informed the gathering that power reforms have been a cornerstone of the state's strategy. “We have moved IT companies and data centres from commercial to industrial power rates. Consequently, IT firms in Mohali will now receive the cheapest power in the entire country,” he stated.

He further detailed the lucrative worker subsidies, offering ₹5,000 per worker per month for IT firms and ₹7,000 for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), with significantly lowered eligibility barriers to encourage small and medium enterprises.

During the session, which saw participation from leaders in the hospitality, IT, education and medical sectors, Sanjeev Arora addressed the growing infrastructure needs.

He noted the recent auction of the Mohali Convention Centre and the opening of an Infosys Centre as milestones in the city’s urban expansion. “Mohali is emerging as a destination not just for business, but for destination weddings and international conferences, given its proximity to the hills and the international airport,” he added.

Touching upon the IT talent pool, Sanjeev Arora remarked that Punjabis constitute a massive portion of the workforce in global tech hubs like Silicon Valley. “By investing in Mohali, companies can hire the top 1% of Punjabi talent who prefer to stay close to their roots and culture, ensuring a much lower attrition rate compared to other tech hubs,” the Minister said.

On the healthcare front, the Minister congratulated the expansion of local medical facilities, including a ₹900 crore investment in hospital infrastructure, while urging private players to focus on "affordable healthcare" for the common man.

Regarding air connectivity, the Minister shared insights from recent discussions with Air India and Air India Express leadership, noting that while aircraft shortages are a global challenge, the state is pushing for more international slots to match Mohali’s growth trajectory.

Earlier, Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department Vikas Garg highlighted that over the past one year, more than Rs 10,000 crores worth of land has been auctioned in the Mohali. Further, plans are in place to acquire 7,000 acres land in the city for full development infrastructure of Mohali, he said, while stating, “Our focus is to bring Mohali on map of Asia.”

The session featured prominent panelists including Chief Development Officer of ITC Hotels Limited Bhaskar Baruah, Founding Vice Chancellor Plaksha University Dr Rudra Pratap, Regional COO of Fortis Healthcare Ashish Bhatia, Co-Founder and CEO of Netsmartz Manipal Dhariwal and Founter TT Consultants, Xlscout Jitin Talwar, while, MDP of Boston Consulting Group was Moderator of the session. Vice Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission Seema Bansal was also present on the occasion.

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*JAPAN BASED INDUSTRY TERMS PUNJAB BEST DESTINATION FOR INVESTMENT*

*PUNJAB KEEN TO DEEPEN INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATION WITH JAPANESE PARTNERS: AMAN ARORA*

*STATE PROMOTING EV ECOSYSTEM SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVES TO ATTRACT GLOBAL INVESTMENT: AMAN ARORA*

*Chandigarh/SAS Nagar March 13:*Terming Punjab a premier destination for business, Japan based industry leaders highlighted the favourable ecosystem for investment in the state during a country session held during Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit at Plaksha University. They noted that Punjab’s progressive industrial outlook and facilitative governance framework are encouraging greater interest from Japanese companies in expanding their footprint in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister and State President of Aam Aadmi Party Aman Arora underlined that Punjab is keen to deepen collaboration with Japanese partners in emerging sectors including integrated EV and automotive manufacturing ecosystems, agri mechanisation, smart farming technologies and clean energy solutions. He stated that Japan has consistently remained one of India’s most dependable development partners whose companies have played a significant role in strengthening modern industrial capabilities across infrastructure advanced manufacturing and mobility sectors.

Highlighting Punjab’s growing industrial momentum, the Cabinet Minister observed that the state today offers a robust manufacturing base a highly skilled workforce and strategic connectivity to key North Indian markets which makes it an attractive hub for global partnerships. He said the successful presence of reputed Japanese enterprises in areas such as agricultural machinery, automotive materials and industrial coatings reflects the strength of Indo-Japanese industrial cooperation which has brought investment along with world class precision engineering standards and quality driven practices.

Stressing sustainability as a key priority, he added that the state is actively promoting biomass utilisation, renewable energy adoption and circular economy initiatives while also prioritising skill development through globally acclaimed Japanese manufacturing philosophies including continuous improvement and high precision quality management. He expressed confidence that by combining Punjab’s industrial strengths with Japan’s technological leadership both sides can build a long term manufacturing and innovation partnership aimed at sustainable growth enhanced global competitiveness and shared prosperity.

Administrative Secretary Industries and Commerce Department Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, while addressing the session, said that Punjab has recently unveiled a landmark industrial policy identifying 24 thrust sectors with dedicated committees headed by leading industrialists to guide sector specific growth. He informed that more than 77 percent recommendations of these committees and industry stakeholders have been accepted by the state government. He further said that the state has also enacted the Right to Business Act which facilitates in principle approvals within 5 to 18 days for industrial proposals along with a provision of deemed approval certification after the stipulated 45 day period.

Addressing the gathering, Minister from the Japanese Embassy Yamazaki Fumio observed that India and Japan as two major democracies are strengthening cooperation across diverse industrial sectors.

Chief Executive Officer of Toppan Speciality Films Pvt Ltd Amit Jain said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had visited their headquarters in Japan and the company is planning to invest Rs.300 to Rs.400 crore in Punjab in the near future.

Vice President Operations of Yanmar Agricultural Machinery India Private Limited Sumit Kaplish said that the company shares a strong connect with Punjab owing to the availability of skilled talent a rich tradition of craftsmanship and peaceful industrial relations. He added that warm and welcoming business culture along with practical industry friendly policies attractive incentives reliable power supply and excellent road connectivity have motivated the company to expand its operations in the state.

Representative of Japan External Trade Organization Taku Hiroki said that both nations are working closely on economic security and advanced technologies and the Invest Punjab Summit is expected to encourage greater investment interest from Japanese companies in view of the state’s business friendly industrial policy.