During his visit to South Korea, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a strong appeal to the Punjabi diaspora in Seoul to act as ambassadors for the state and help attract fresh waves of Korean investments into Punjab’s expanding industrial landscape. Speaking at a community interaction as part of his wider outreach programme across Japan and South Korea, Mann emphasized that Punjab has now positioned itself as a preferred global investment destination due to progressive policies, enhanced infrastructure, and an increasingly supportive governance framework. His message to overseas Punjabis was clear: the time has come to contribute directly to the state’s economic resurgence by encouraging Korean companies to establish and expand their presence in Punjab.

Mann noted that Punjabis have long been recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and ability to excel on the global stage. This, he said, should translate into a sense of responsibility toward the development of their home state. According to him, the government has already created a conducive environment for industries, and the diaspora can now play a meaningful role in drawing investments that would accelerate Punjab’s growth trajectory. He stressed that increased investments in the state would directly support job creation for young people, boost industrial output, and help realize the broader vision of a modern, vibrant, and prosperous Punjab. Referring to the concept of a ‘Rangla Punjab’, Mann said that this goal could only be achieved when Punjabis across the world move in step with the government and work collectively for the state’s advancement.

A central part of Mann’s address focused on the reforms undertaken by the state government over the past several years to make Punjab an investor-friendly region. He highlighted improvements in policy stability, quicker decision-making processes, and a governance system that places investor trust at its core. Punjab, he said, now sees industry not merely as an external stakeholder but as an equal partner in economic development. This partnership model, according to Mann, has been essential in shaping an ecosystem where businesses feel supported, respected, and encouraged to explore long-term opportunities.

He spoke at length about the structural and regulatory changes that have transformed the ease of doing business in the state. Punjab’s single-window system, which now offers 173 services to investors, has streamlined approvals and reduced bureaucratic delays. Features such as auto-deemed approvals and PAN-based business identifiers have further simplified processes for companies looking to set up or expand their operations. Mann also highlighted amendments made to the Punjab Right to Business Act, which now ensures time-bound clearances for new industrial ventures. These reforms, he said, reflect the state government’s commitment to removing barriers to growth and supporting industries with efficient administrative systems.

As a result of such reforms, Punjab has successfully facilitated on-ground investments amounting to more than ₹1.4 lakh crore in recent years. Mann attributed this success to the growing confidence among investors in the state’s stable policies, robust infrastructure, and forward-looking governance. He added that the government’s priority is to maintain this momentum and continue introducing measures that align with industry expectations. He emphasized that strengthening infrastructure has been a major focus of the state, with expansions in industrial capacity, upgrades in connectivity, and the opening of new avenues for investment in both traditional and emerging sectors.

During the interaction, Mann also acknowledged the achievements of Punjabis around the world, noting that their hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy have earned them respect across international communities. He encouraged the diaspora to channel this global recognition into creating new opportunities for Punjab. By connecting international investors with developments taking place in the state, overseas Punjabis can help shape Punjab’s economic future. Mann reiterated that despite the government’s progress on policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades, the diaspora’s contribution remains indispensable, particularly in promoting Punjab as a stable, secure, and promising destination for Korean businesses.

Investor interest in Punjab was also evident during Mann’s engagements in South Korea. Managing Director of Aran International, Chodda Akash, expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in the food processing sector, a key area where Punjab has been seeking international collaboration. Eminent scholar Dr. Lakhvinder Singh commended Punjab’s initiative to organize an investment-focused outreach programme in South Korea, especially in sectors such as defence and aerospace, which have seen rising industrial potential and global demand. According to him, this sustained engagement with East Asian economies could play a transformative role in diversifying Punjab’s industrial base.

Meenakshi Pawar, chairperson of the Punjabi Association in Korea, remarked that Mann’s visit marked a significant step in renewing long-term ties between Punjab and the Korean business community. She noted that such high-level engagements had not taken place for a long period, and the current visit would likely open new avenues for collaboration, not only at the level of large corporations but also among medium-sized enterprises and technology-driven companies.

Earlier during his visit, Mann met the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, Gourangalal Das, and discussed the evolving economic and technological landscape in Punjab. He outlined the state’s strategies to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including food processing, agri-tech, renewable energy, manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and urban infrastructure. Mann said that Punjab’s strategic location makes it a natural gateway to northern India, offering logistical advantages, a strong workforce, and a business-friendly environment that Korean firms can benefit from.

Looking ahead, the Punjab delegation is scheduled to hold detailed meetings with representatives of major Korean companies such as Daewoo E&C, GS E&C, and Nongshim. These discussions will explore opportunities in construction engineering, infrastructure development, and advanced food processing technologies. The meetings are expected to pave the way for deeper industrial collaboration and potential partnerships that could be finalized over the coming months. Mann will also participate in a roundtable discussion on simplifying business operations in Punjab, alongside legal firms, investors, and business associations. This session aims to further clarify Punjab’s industrial policies, address investor concerns, and outline new areas of cooperation.

The Chief Minister’s visit to Japan and South Korea forms a critical part of the Punjab government’s global outreach campaign ahead of the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit, which will be held in Mohali from March 13 to 15, 2026. The summit aims to bring together investors from around the world, showcase Punjab’s industrial strengths, and announce new initiatives to accelerate economic growth. Mann’s engagements across East Asia are expected to reinforce Punjab’s global positioning and attract significant new investments into the state’s expanding economic sectors.