Bhagwant Mann Bats for UK Tie-Up to Make Punjab Manufacturing Hub

December 12, 2025

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12, 2025 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has called for a strategic collaboration with the United Kingdom to help transform the state into a major global manufacturing and investment hub. The CM outlined this vision during his meeting with a high-level delegation from the UK High Commission, led by Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio, who visited him in Chandigarh.

Our DHC Alba Smeriglio met Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann today.

They discussed UK–Punjab cooperation in migration, education, trade & investment and tech, and opportunities to further strengthen the living bridge with the Punjabi diaspora. pic.twitter.com/byAzt9W15X

— UK in Chandigarh 🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKinChandigarh) December 12, 2025

Mann emphasized that Punjab is entering a crucial development phase and that the state needs international partners who can bring expertise, technology, and new business ecosystems. A partnership with the UK, he said, would be “mutually transformative.”

Punjab Positioned as ‘Land of Opportunities’

During the interaction, Mann showcased Punjab as an ideal destination for world-class manufacturing, citing its strong industrial foundation, skilled workforce, and a business-friendly environment.

He highlighted that Mohali, with its infrastructure, connectivity, and well-planned ecosystem, is emerging as one of the best global cities for investment, especially in high-growth sectors like:

• Agro-machinery manufacturing

• Food processing

• IT and tech-enabled services

• Electronics and precision engineering

Mann said the state is ready to welcome UK companies looking to expand operations in India and assured them of full support, including policy stability and transparent governance.

Ease of Doing Business: A Key Strength

The Chief Minister underlined Punjab’s high ranking in Ease of Doing Business, calling it one of the state’s strongest advantages in attracting global investors.

He highlighted reforms such as:

• Simplified business approvals through a centralized Single Window System

• Competitive power tariffs

• Large land banks ready for industrial development

• The Right to Business Act, which offers ease and predictability for enterprises

These measures, he said, demonstrate the government’s commitment to building a seamless, investor-friendly environment that matches global standards.

Discusses Transnational Crime and Security Cooperation

Mann also engaged the delegation on shared concerns regarding transnational organized crime, stressing that such issues require strong cooperation between nations.

He said Punjab’s law-and-order machinery is fully prepared to work collaboratively with UK counterparts wherever coordination is required, especially in cases where criminal activities have international links. Strengthening joint mechanisms, he said, will help protect both states’ interests.

Support for Youth Aspiring to Study or Work Abroad

The Chief Minister assured the UK officials of his government’s commitment to ensuring safe and legal pathways for youth aspiring to study, work, or migrate to the UK.

He emphasized that Punjab values its strong people-to-people ties with the UK, home to one of the largest and most influential Punjabi diasporas. Mann urged the UK delegation to expand academic partnerships, skill development programmes, and professional training modules that would benefit Punjabi students and young professionals.

Invitation to Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026

As part of the state’s ongoing efforts to attract global investment, Mann invited the UK to participate prominently in the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit (PPIS) scheduled for March 2026 in Mohali.

The summit, he said, will provide a platform for global firms to:

• Explore investment opportunities

• Meet government officials and industry leaders

• Visit industrial clusters and upcoming manufacturing zones

• Engage in policy discussions and strategic networking

Mann expressed confidence that UK–Punjab collaboration could unlock significant economic potential and help position Punjab among India’s top industrial growth centres.

UK Delegation Signals Strong Interest

Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio acknowledged Punjab’s strategic advantages, especially in agriculture, education, and manufacturing. She expressed the UK’s interest in exploring deeper commercial and developmental ties with Punjab, including in sectors like green energy, innovation, skill development, and technology.

Both sides agreed to continue working closely to develop structured engagement programmes in the coming months.