Punjab Wins Japan’s Heart – Top Choice for Billions in Future Investments
–State Actively Promoting EV Ecosystem, Skill Development, and Clean Energy to Attract Global Investments
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, March 13
Japan-based industry leaders have described Punjab as a premier destination for business and investment, praising the state’s progressive industrial ecosystem and supportive governance during a dedicated country session at the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit held at Plaksha University.
Speaking at the event, Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Aman Arora emphasized Punjab’s strong interest in deepening collaboration with Japanese partners in high-growth sectors. These include integrated electric vehicle (EV) and automotive manufacturing ecosystems, agricultural mechanization, smart farming technologies, and clean energy solutions.
He highlighted Japan as one of India’s most reliable development partners, noting that Japanese companies have significantly contributed to building modern industrial capabilities in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and mobility sectors across the country.
The Cabinet Minister pointed out Punjab’s robust manufacturing base, highly skilled workforce, and strategic connectivity to major North Indian markets, making it an ideal hub for global partnerships. The established presence of renowned Japanese firms in agricultural machinery, automotive materials, and industrial coatings demonstrates the success of Indo-Japanese industrial cooperation, bringing substantial investments along with world-class precision engineering, quality standards, and best practices.
Underscoring sustainability as a core focus, Arora noted that Punjab is actively advancing biomass utilization, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy initiatives. The state is also prioritizing skill development by incorporating globally recognized Japanese manufacturing philosophies, such as continuous improvement (Kaizen) and high-precision quality management.
He expressed confidence that blending Punjab’s industrial strengths with Japan’s technological expertise would foster a long-term partnership in manufacturing and innovation, driving sustainable growth, enhanced global competitiveness, and mutual prosperity.
watch…Punjab Government Enhances ‘Saade Buzurg, Saada Maan’ Program
Administrative Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, informed the session that Punjab has recently introduced a landmark industrial policy identifying 24 thrust sectors. Dedicated committees led by prominent industrialists guide sector-specific development, with over 77 percent of their recommendations and stakeholder inputs already accepted by the government.
He added that the state has enacted the Right to Business Act, providing in-principle approvals for industrial proposals within 5 to 18 days, along with a deemed approval mechanism after the stipulated 45-day period.
Yamazaki Fumio from the Japanese Embassy addressed the gathering, stating that India and Japan, as two leading democracies, are strengthening cooperation across various industrial sectors.
Amit Jain, Chief Executive Officer of Toppan Speciality Films Pvt Ltd, revealed that following Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s visit to their headquarters in Japan, the company plans to invest ₹300 to ₹400 crore in Punjab in the near future.
Sumit Kaplish, Vice President of Operations at Yanmar Agricultural Machinery India Private Limited, highlighted the company’s strong connection with Punjab due to its skilled talent pool, rich tradition of craftsmanship, and harmonious industrial relations. He credited the state’s welcoming business culture, industry-friendly policies, attractive incentives, reliable power supply, and excellent road connectivity as key motivators for expanding operations there.
Taku Hiroki, Representative of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), noted that both nations are collaborating closely on economic security and advanced technologies. He expressed optimism that the Invest Punjab Summit, supported by the state’s business-friendly industrial policy, would spur greater investment interest from Japanese companies.
