• Overwhelming investor response positions Punjab as North India’s most attractive investment destination
• Multiple MoUs, Expressions of Interest, and firm commitments received
• Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026 to fuse global technology with Punjab’s talent pool
Chandigarh, December 10
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday described his just-concluded visit to Japan and South Korea as a “historic milestone” that will accelerate industrial development, generate large-scale employment for youth, and firmly establish Punjab as the preferred investment destination in northern India.
Addressing the media after returning to Chandigarh, the Chief Minister shared day-wise highlights of the high-impact visit and said the enthusiastic response from top Japanese and Korean conglomerates has laid a strong foundation for transformative investments in manufacturing, clean energy, EV mobility, IT, agri-tech, and skill development.
Key Outcomes from Japan (December 2–6)
- Toppan Holdings Inc. submitted a formal Expression of Interest to expand its Punjab facility with a proposed investment of ₹300–400 crore. A non-binding MoU was signed with Invest Punjab to jointly establish a Skilling Excellence Centre.
- Aichi Steel Corporation and Vardhman Special Steels signed an MoU to study future factory operations in Punjab, including feasibility for a ₹500 crore investment with full technical cooperation from Aichi Steel.
- Sumitomo Corporation & Kiriu Corporation (existing partners of Hero MotoCorp in Punjab) committed to evaluate new industrial clusters and consider Mohali for advanced technology projects.
- Yanmar Holdings reaffirmed expansion plans in agri-tech and expressed intent to set up an R&D centre in Punjab.
- Toray Industries, Yamaha Motor, Honda Motor, Fujitsu, NEC, Air Water Inc., and others showed strong interest in EV components, technical textiles, digital governance, industrial automation, bio-methane, and specialty gases.
- Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) agreed to evaluate financing and technical cooperation for clean-energy projects, urban infrastructure, water management, and crop diversification.
- Successful roadshows in Tokyo (250+ participants) and Osaka (80+ delegates) saw robust participation from JETRO, METI Kansai, Osaka Chamber of Commerce, and leading industry bodies.
Key Outcomes from South Korea (December 7–9)
- Nongshim declared India a high-priority market and confirmed it is actively evaluating Punjab for a new manufacturing unit under the export-share policy.
- Sunjin announced plans to expand animal-feed capacity and enter poultry and dairy operations in the state.
- Daewoo E&C and GS E&C expressed keen interest in infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
- Seoul Investment Roadshow and meetings with Korea Display Industry Association (KDIA), Seoul Business Agency (SBA), and Pangyo Techno Valley explored replication of Korea’s innovation ecosystem in Mohali.
- Interest shown in sports university collaboration (Korea National Sports University) and tourism promotion.
watch….Aichi Steel’s ₹500 Crore Investment Boosts Punjab Economy
The Chief Minister emphasised that Japanese and South Korean companies bring cutting-edge technology, while Punjab offers the country’s most innovative, skilled, and hardworking talent. “The upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026 will orchestrate a perfect symphony between their technology and our talent,” he said, adding that this partnership will propel Punjab to the forefront of industrial and economic growth in India and the world.
Present on the occasion were Chief Secretary Anirudh Tewari (KAP Sinha’s successor), Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat, and senior officials.
