The North News
Chandigarh, December 16
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has called for broader and more intensive engagement with the United Kingdom, urging British companies and institutions to explore new investment opportunities in the state beyond traditional sectors. Chairing the Punjab–UK Engagement Strategic Dialogue in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Mann met British Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio along with representatives of UK-linked and multinational firms. He said Punjab was keen to strengthen cooperation in higher education, textiles, engineering, auto components, and agro and food processing, while also opening up newer areas such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare, information technology, global capability centres and business services.
The Chief Minister highlighted Punjab’s infrastructure advantages, pointing to its five airports and strong national highway network, which he said provide seamless access to domestic and international markets. He added that the state’s skilled and peaceful workforce, combined with competitive labour conditions, made Punjab an attractive destination for investors.
Mann underlined that Punjab operates a unified investment facilitation system through Invest Punjab, which acts as a single regulator and offers time-bound clearances under a deemed approval regime. He said fast-track and single-window portals had been introduced to simplify procedures, reduce compliance burdens and improve the ease of doing business.
Inviting British investors to either set up or expand operations in Punjab, the Chief Minister said increased UK investment could generate large-scale employment for the state’s youth. He encouraged companies to explore technologies for managing paddy straw and promoting green and sustainable solutions. Mann also invited UK firms to participate in the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026 in Mohali, proposing a dedicated UK-focused session. Companies that took part in the dialogue included Tynor, Hindustan Unilever, Bedford School, Munjal Birmingham University, Ganga Acrowools, Netsmartz and Rockpecker.
Referring to environmental initiatives, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s air quality had improved significantly, with the Air Quality Index falling below 70 in several areas. He also highlighted Pehal, a self-help group initiative aimed at empowering rural women, and said Punjab aspired to make them a strong backbone of the state’s manufacturing and industrial growth.
Emphasising the historical and emotional links between Punjab and the UK, Mann urged British universities to consider opening campuses in Mohali and other parts of the state to promote joint research and innovation. He also supported calls for a direct flight between Mohali and London to further strengthen people-to-people and business ties.
British Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio welcomed the push for closer engagement, saying there was significant potential to deepen cooperation across sectors. She added that working with members of the Punjabi diaspora had been an enriching experience and could play a key role in strengthening Punjab–UK relations.
