-Premier of British Columbia Calls on Punjab
-Chief Minister Positions Punjab as Top Investment Destination
Chandigarh, January 16
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized the importance of deepening trade and economic relations with Canada, especially British Columbia, to create meaningful benefits for businesses and communities on both sides.
During a meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby today, CM Mann stated: “Canada has long been a valued partner for India and Punjab. We greatly appreciate the existing trade and investment links between Canada and Punjab, and we are eager to build on this strong foundation even further.”
He added: “Punjab is fully ready and excited to partner with Canadian businesses in sectors of shared interest and priority.”
Showcasing Punjab’s key strengths, the Chief Minister highlighted: “Punjab excels in agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services, and renewable energy. With excellent infrastructure and a skilled, English-proficient workforce, Punjab stands out as an attractive and reliable destination for Canadian investors.”
He noted that Punjab consistently ranks among India’s top-performing states in Ease of Doing Business. Through the Invest Punjab initiative, the state offers a streamlined single-window clearance system and dedicated investor support services.
CM Mann pointed out strong alignment between British Columbia’s expertise and Punjab’s development goals: “British Columbia’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, food security, and greenhouse technologies matches perfectly with Punjab’s push for agricultural modernization. We see major potential in precision farming, post-harvest management, and value-added food processing.”
In the education sector, he said: “Partnerships with Canadian universities in research, skill development, and vocational training can bring transformative change to Punjab.”
The Chief Minister outlined additional high-potential areas:
- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Opportunities for Canadian companies in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telemedicine.
- Renewable Energy: Joint ventures in solar parks and bio-energy projects.
- IT & Digital Transformation: Collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and agri-tech.
- Manufacturing & Engineering: Integration of Canadian expertise in agricultural machinery and precision engineering with Punjab’s industrial ecosystem.
He also emphasized trade potential: “Punjab’s agricultural exports—including wheat, rice, kinnow, litchi, and processed foods—are in strong demand in Canada, supported by the large Punjabi diaspora. There are excellent opportunities for collaboration in high-quality textiles and apparel to serve Canadian fashion and retail markets.”
Highlighting the role of the diaspora, CM Mann said: “The Punjabi community in Canada acts as a vital bridge for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The Punjab Government is committed to strengthening these connections through enhanced cultural and educational initiatives.”
He extended a special invitation to British Columbia to participate as a Partner Country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit (PPIS) 2026. The summit will feature business delegations, sector-specific sessions, and high-level roundtables to boost trade and cultural ties.
Additionally, the Chief Minister invited leading Canadian universities to explore setting up campuses in Mohali, describing it as an emerging hub for education and skill development serving Punjab and neighboring states. He also encouraged Canadian technology and service companies to establish IT/ITeS operations and Global Capability Centers in Mohali.
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Assuring full support, CM Mann concluded: “We are ready to offer customized investment facilitation to Canadian investors. I warmly invite Canadian delegations to join us at the Punjab Investors Summit, scheduled for March 13–15, 2026, at Plaksha University, Mohali.”
He expressed confidence that this partnership would mark the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, driving progress and prosperity for both Punjab and British Columbia.
In response, Premier David Eby thanked CM Mann for the gracious hospitality, saying the visit had been truly memorable. He underscored the deep people-to-people connection: “Punjab always holds a special place in the hearts of Punjabis in British Columbia, and we must continue to nurture this bond.”
The Premier expressed strong interest in expanding business collaboration, stating: “We are eager to strengthen economic ties with Punjab and will actively explore opportunities in skill development, energy, and other mutually beneficial sectors.”
