Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Says Japan and South Korea Visit Opens New Investment Pathways for the State

Punjab's outreach to Japan and South Korea aims to strengthen industrial ties through MOUs, joint studies, and investment conferences. Focus areas include clean energy, manufacturing, agri tech, and R&D, with plans for skill development and a Mohali tech hub to attract global partners.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said visits to Japan and South Korea have opened new channels of capital for the state. Mann stated that these meetings drew strong investor interest and are expected to speed up industrial expansion in Punjab. The tour focused on investments, jobs for youth and long-term economic partnerships.

Mann explained that Japan and South Korea lead in advanced technology, while Punjab has a large skilled workforce. He said this mix of capability and innovation could position Punjab as a key industrial hub. Mann added that the government wants Punjab to emerge as the most preferred investment location in India.

Punjab investment focus in Japan: clean energy, manufacturing and research

Senior Managing Director of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Ogawa Kazunori, showed strong interest in Punjab’s industry and clean energy projects. JBIC also expressed willingness to join the Punjab Investment Conference. Officials said this engagement could support large projects in green energy, infrastructure and manufacturing over the coming years.

At meetings with Aisin Industries, Yamaha Motor and Suzuki, discussions covered manufacturing, research and development and electric vehicle ecosystems in Punjab. Company representatives welcomed the invitation to participate in the “Progressive Punjab Investment Summit 2026”. They also explored collaboration on supplier bases, component units and technology centres linked to e-mobility.

Honda Motor Company examined options to develop component manufacturing with Indian partners based in Punjab. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) indicated readiness for cooperation in farm diversification, water management, technical training and urban infrastructure planning. Officials highlighted that such support could upgrade agriculture value chains and city facilities across multiple districts.

Punjab investment agreements and proposed capital inflows

Toppan Holdings proposed an investment plan of about Rs 300-400 crore in Punjab. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed to set up a 'Skilling Excellence Centre’. Officials said this centre would train local youth in specialised industrial skills required by Japanese and other global companies.

Aichi Steel and Vardhman Special Steels signed an MoU for joint studies and technical collaboration worth Rs 500 crore. The project will focus on advanced steel products, process improvement and quality systems. The Punjab government assured full institutional support to Japanese companies for land, permissions and coordination with local agencies.

Yanmar Corporation discussed possibilities in agri-tech solutions, allied industries and research and development centres in Punjab. The company analysed options for mechanisation, precision agriculture and support systems for farmers. Japanese firm Air Water Inc. explored projects in bio-methane and special gases within Punjab’s clean energy clusters.

Punjab investment roadshows in Tokyo and Seoul

More than 250 company representatives joined the Tokyo roadshow. Active participation from JETRO India Director General Suzuki Takashi gave a boost to India-Japan economic cooperation. Delegates from Hero, Sumitomo and Kiryu groups shared positive experiences of working in Punjab and agreed to assess new industrial cluster locations for future projects.

The Osaka Chamber of Commerce representatives expressed commitment to deepening India-Japan business ties. They showed interest in offering more opportunities to Indian professionals and engineers. Officials noted that this can support Japanese firms looking to expand operations while benefiting from Punjab’s talent base and lower operating costs.

Punjab investment plans with South Korean companies and institutions

In Seoul, the Punjab delegation held detailed meetings with Korean companies and members of the Indian diaspora, supported by the Embassy of India. Mann said Punjab is moving towards becoming a strategic industrial and trade centre for North India. Korean firms examined options in infrastructure, renewable power and engineering projects.

Daewoo E&C, GS ENC and Nongshim discussed collaboration in infrastructure, renewable energy, EPC projects, food processing and construction. The Korea Display Industry Association (K-DIA) expressed interest in building an electronics and display technology ecosystem in Punjab. Bloomberg, KOTRA, Dae Young Corporation and other companies explored investments and research centres in the state.

The Seoul roadshow saw participation from more than 42 Korean representatives. Korea National Sport University showed strong interest in sports training and academic partnerships with Punjab. Separately, a tourism roadshow in Seoul drew Korean tour operators who examined Punjab’s tourism potential, including heritage, culture and rural experiences.

Punjab investment vision: Mohali tech hub and future summit

Mann studied the Pangyo Techno Valley model in South Korea, which links startups with research and development. Punjab plans to apply similar features in Mohali to shape a technology and startup hub. Officials said this could draw electronics, software and innovation-led companies to the region.

Mann stated that Japan and South Korea offer advanced technology, while Punjab contributes talent and hard-working youth. Mann expressed confidence that the upcoming Progressive Punjab Investment Summit will raise this cooperation to new heights. Mann said the government expects these partnerships to place Punjab firmly on the global industrial map.