The North News
Chandigarh, December 12
Punjab is seeking to deepen its economic and strategic relationship with the United Kingdom, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said on Friday, as he pitched the state as a rising centre for manufacturing and global investment. Meeting a high-level delegation from the British High Commission in Chandigarh, led by Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio, Mann spoke of an opportunity to “cement business partnerships” and build a long-term framework for cooperation. Both sides, he said, shared a strong commitment to expanding ties across trade, education and security.
The Chief Minister described Mohali as one of the best-planned cities in the world and argued that Punjab was well positioned to emerge as a manufacturing powerhouse. He pointed to the state’s young population, high levels of technical education and the growing appetite among Punjabi students to pursue studies and careers in the UK through “legal and safe pathways.” The state government, he added, would extend full support to facilitate these movements.
Mann also raised what he called “transnational challenges”, naming gang-related activity as an area where cooperation between Punjab and the UK would be essential. Such issues, he said, “do not respect borders,” and Punjab was ready to assist on legal matters and enforcement where required.
Extending what he described as a “red-carpet welcome,” the Chief Minister urged British companies to view Punjab as a priority destination. He highlighted opportunities in agro-machinery, food processing, information technology and emerging industries, emphasising the global reach of the Punjabi diaspora and its capacity to anchor new investment.
Punjab, he told the delegation, offers a favourable business environment — competitive power tariffs, land availability and a transparent single-window clearance system. He noted that the state had topped national rankings for ease of doing business and had become the first in India to enact a Right to Business Act aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles for investors.
Inviting the delegation to attend the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit in Mohali next March, Mann cast the state as a “land of opportunities,” arguing that global firms were already setting their sights on Punjab due to improved law and order and stable governance. Mohali, he declared, had the potential to become “the next Silicon Valley,” citing its international airport and the presence of a vast talent pool within a 100-kilometre radius.
Mann urged the delegation to explore the state’s districts and assess investment prospects firsthand, saying increased economic activity would generate jobs and accelerate development.
Deputy High Commissioner Smeriglio, acknowledging the strength of the Punjabi diaspora, said sizeable funds and interest existed for investment back home. Both sides agreed to work towards strengthening trade, commerce and broader ties for what they described as shared prosperity.
