The North News
Chandigarh, December 10
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has said that his recent visit to Japan and South Korea has generated “overwhelming” interest from global investors, calling it a potential milestone in the state’s industrial expansion. Speaking after returning from the tour, Mann said he had presented Punjab as an emerging industrial hub and a reliable destination for long-term investments. The aim, he said, was to secure new projects and create employment opportunities for young people by accelerating industrial growth.
According to the Chief Minister, several major Japanese companies and financial institutions signalled their willingness to explore partnerships in manufacturing, clean energy, mobility and research and development. During a meeting with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Senior Managing Director Ogawa Kazunori expressed interest in assessing Punjab’s industrial and clean-energy project proposals. Both sides agreed to continue technical discussions on potential financing options, and JBIC welcomed an invitation to the state’s upcoming investment summit.
Mann said executives from Aisan Industry Co., Ltd., including CEO Tomonori Kai and EVP Toru Nakane, conveyed interest in evaluating Punjab for future manufacturing or R&D initiatives. Officials from Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., including Global Strategy Manager Tanaka Hiroki and Product Planning expert Suzuki Mari, also expressed openness to future collaboration in electric mobility, research partnerships and skill development.
The Chief Minister said Honda Motor Co., Ltd. representatives Tatsuya Nakamura and Ito Kiyoshi informed him that the company was exploring component manufacturing opportunities in Punjab through Indian partners. He said the state government would provide full facilitation and policy support, and invited the company to the Punjab Progressive Investors Summit (PPIS) in 2026.
Mann added that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reaffirmed its interest in supporting Punjab’s development priorities, particularly in crop diversification, urban infrastructure, water management and capacity building. He said Toray Industries’ Senior Vice President Hajime Ishii showed interest in technical textiles and composites for the state’s automotive and aerospace sectors. The Chief Minister said the engagements underscored Punjab’s growing appeal as an investment destination and would strengthen the state’s industrial growth trajectory.
