Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann chaired the Punjab–UK Strategic Dialogue session and stressed the need to deepen strategic and business ties with Britain, particularly in underused sectors. During discussions with British Deputy High Commissioner Alba Samariglio and representatives of UK multinational companies, he said Punjab is keen to build strong partnerships with the UK across traditional and emerging sectors. He identified higher education, textiles, engineering, auto components, and agriculture & food processing as priority areas, while also highlighting pharmaceuticals, healthcare, IT, and business services as key growth sectors.
Outlining Punjab’s strengths, the Chief Minister said the state offers world-class connectivity with five airports and strong national highway links, enabling seamless access to domestic and global markets. He emphasized the availability of a highly skilled, affordable, and peaceful workforce, making Punjab an attractive investment destination. CM Mann highlighted the ‘Invest Punjab’ single-window system with deemed approvals and fast-track portals that simplify procedures, reduce compliance burdens, and boost investor confidence. He invited UK investors to start or expand operations in Punjab, citing robust infrastructure, reliable power supply, and investor-friendly policies.
Sharing his future vision, CM Mann said UK investments can generate large-scale employment for Punjab’s youth and promote innovation, sustainability, and eco-friendly solutions, including stubble management. He invited UK investors to the Punjab Progressive Investors Summit (PPIS) 2026 in Mohali with a proposed UK-focused session and welcomed leading companies. He underscored Punjab’s strengths in sports goods, bicycle manufacturing, and auto parts, calling for deeper collaboration with UK industries. Reaffirming the strong emotional ties between Punjab and the UK, he encouraged UK universities to set up campuses in Punjab and urged the diaspora to act as brand ambassadors. British Deputy High Commissioner Alba Samariglio expressed optimism that active partnerships would further strengthen Punjab–UK cooperation across sectors.
