Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that the state government will establish three world-class exhibition centres in Ludhiana, New Chandigarh (Mohali) and Amritsar, aiming to significantly boost industrial growth and commercial activity in Punjab.
Speaking during various sessions at the ongoing Progressive Punjab Investment Summit in SAS Nagar, the Chief Minister said the move is designed to provide industries with dedicated platforms to showcase their products and expand business opportunities.
Exhibition Centres to Strengthen Industrial Ecosystem
Mann said Punjab currently lacks large exhibition spaces, which limits the ability of industries to present their products effectively. To bridge this gap, the government is planning centres on the lines of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, offering modern infrastructure for exhibitions, trade events and business networking.
He noted that these centres will help industries connect with buyers, investors and global markets, thereby accelerating economic activity in the state.
Investment Summit Driving New Opportunities
Highlighting the importance of the Progressive Punjab Investment Summit, the Chief Minister said the event has evolved into a strong platform for collaboration. Investors and industry leaders are actively sharing ideas and exploring new business opportunities, which will benefit both the state and the business community.
Focus on Export-Led Growth
Mann emphasized that Punjab is working towards strengthening its export-driven economy by shifting from traditional agricultural exports to value-added products. He said the state has immense potential to grow in sectors like food processing and manufacturing, supported by its entrepreneurial culture.
He added that the government is preparing Punjab for long-term economic growth with a vision to transform it into a global export hub over the next 50 years.
Punjab’s Strength in Agriculture and Food Processing
Reiterating Punjab’s role as the food bowl of India, Mann said the state produces around 185 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 125 lakh metric tonnes of wheat annually. However, he stressed that future growth depends on adding value to agricultural produce.
He highlighted opportunities in food processing, citing examples such as Pathankot’s litchis, Hoshiarpur’s mangoes and Jalandhar’s potatoes, where processing can significantly increase farmers’ income.
Need for Agricultural Diversification
The Chief Minister said diversification is essential to reduce dependence on the wheat-paddy cycle. He noted that farmers are willing to shift to alternative crops if they receive comparable returns, and food processing can play a key role in making this transition viable.
He also pointed out that diversification has already shown positive environmental impact, including improvements in groundwater levels in certain regions.
Industrial Policy and Investor Support
Mann highlighted the recently launched Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026, describing it as one of the most progressive frameworks in the country. He said the policy offers strong incentives, including enhanced subsidies for food processing industries.
He added that Invest Punjab acts as a single-window facilitation system, helping businesses from approvals to project execution.
Punjab Emerging as Industrial and Export Hub
The Chief Minister said Punjab already has strong industrial sectors such as textiles, auto components, FMCG and construction materials. With over 14 lakh MSMEs and exports exceeding USD 7 billion, the state has a solid foundation for further growth.
He invited investors and global companies to partner with Punjab in expanding its industrial and export footprint.
Push Towards Clean Energy and Sustainability
Mann also highlighted Punjab’s transition towards clean and renewable energy as part of its long-term development strategy. He said the state is leveraging its agricultural base to promote bioenergy projects such as biomass power and compressed biogas.
He noted that agricultural residue like paddy straw is being converted into an opportunity, supporting clean fuel initiatives and generating additional rural income.
The Chief Minister said that such initiatives will help build a sustainable and circular economy while supporting industrial and agricultural growth.
