CHANDIGARH: Positioning Punjab as a prime manufacturing base for UK businesses to leverage zero-duty access under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Punjab Industries & Commerce Minister Mr Aman Arora held strategic talks with a high-level British delegation led by Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, Ms Alba Smeriglio at Invest Punjab, showcasing the state’s new Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and dedicated FTA & Export Facilitation Cell to boost bilateral trade and investments.
The British delegation comprised Ms Alba Smeriglio, First Secretary Trade- India Dr Nicholas Gribit and Senior Trade Adviser, British High Commission Mr Anup Narayan.
While chairing the meeting, Aman Arora showcased Punjab’s industrial resurgence and readiness to integrate with UK supply chains, with deliberations focused on high-growth sectors including agri-business, food processing, engineering, auto components and industry-linked skilling.
Aman Arora said that Punjab’s strategic advantage as a gateway to North India makes it an ideal base for UK businesses. “Punjab is not just the food bowl of India, but is rapidly emerging as a hub of modern industry and innovation. Our dialogue with the UK delegation focused on leveraging vast opportunities under the India-UK CETA. Punjab’s strengths in agri-business and engineering are a natural fit for UK expertise,” he said.
