Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has advocated for a strategic alliance between Punjab and Japan, emphasizing collaboration in key sectors to boost the state's economic growth. Mann highlighted the potential for partnership in areas including advanced manufacturing, mobility, electronics, food processing, renewable energy, and global services.
In a virtual meeting held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Mann engaged in detailed discussions with a high-level Japanese delegation. The delegation included representatives from the Embassy of Japan, JETRO, JCCII, and leading Japanese companies operating in India, such as Panasonic, Sumitomo, Nippon, NEC, and Toyota. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora was also present during the meeting.
This interaction is a crucial component of Punjab's outreach program leading up to the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit, scheduled to take place from March 13-15, 2026, in Mohali. Invest Punjab showcased the state's economic landscape and the unique Invest Punjab unified regulatory model, which integrates powers of multiple departments under a single authority.
Mann emphasized Punjab's dedication to building stronger economic and cultural ties with Japan, highlighting shared values of trust, discipline, and long-term partnership. He noted the success of existing Japanese ventures in Punjab and extended a "red-carpet welcome" to Japanese companies interested in exploring new opportunities within the state.
The Chief Minister stated that Punjab is striving to become a leading hub for modern industry, technology, and global collaboration. He also mentioned that the state government is committed to deepening the relationship between Punjab and Japan and is showcasing Punjab's industrial strengths, exploring new areas of collaboration, and deepening long-term engagement with Japanese industry to take the partnership to the next level.
Mann also acknowledged the challenges of paddy straw burning in Punjab and expressed the government's commitment to resolving the issue permanently. He lauded the efforts of Japanese multinational company Global Network Japan (GNJ) group, which is planning to invest approximately Rs 1,500 crore in developing Waste-to-Energy infrastructure in Punjab.
Furthermore, Mann mentioned that the Government of India has recognized Punjab as a Top Achiever in the 2024 Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) rankings, which reflects the state government's focus on ease of doing business, transparency, and responsive governance. He sought the investors' support and cooperation for their continued engagement with Punjab.
