Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Pushes For Stronger Trade, Investment Ties With British Columbia

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday emphasised the need to further strengthen trade and investment relations with Canada, particularly with the province of British Columbia, to unlock mutually beneficial economic opportunities.</p> <p>During a meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby, the Chief Minister said Canada has remained a key partner for India and Punjab over the years. &ldquo;Canada has always been a strong partner for India and Punjab, and we deeply value this relationship. We appreciate the strong trade and investment ties between Canada and Punjab and look forward to strengthening this foundation further,&rdquo; Mann said.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/ByCuYDO" width="720" /></p> <p>He added, &ldquo;Punjab is fully prepared and enthusiastic to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance.&rdquo;</p> <h2><strong>Punjab Highlights Strengths As Investment Destination</strong></h2> <p>Showcasing Punjab&rsquo;s economic potential, the Chief Minister said the state offers strong opportunities in agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services and renewable energy. &ldquo;With robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce proficient in the English language, Punjab offers an ideal destination for Canadian investors,&rdquo; he said.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/vCWJiBt" width="720" /></p> <p>Mann further pointed out that Punjab ranks among the leading states in the country in Ease of Doing Business. &ldquo;Through Invest Punjab, we provide a single-window clearance system along with comprehensive investor support,&rdquo; he added.</p> <h2><strong>Agriculture, Food Processing Align With BC Expertise</strong></h2> <p>Referring to sectoral synergies, the Chief Minister said British Columbia&rsquo;s expertise closely aligns with Punjab&rsquo;s development priorities. &ldquo;British Columbia&rsquo;s strengths in sustainable farming, food security, and greenhouse technologies align perfectly with Punjab&rsquo;s agricultural modernisation goals,&rdquo; Mann said.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/6egHyoD" width="720" /></p> <p>He noted that opportunities exist in precision farming, post-harvest systems and value-added food processing.</p> <h2><strong>Education, Healthcare And Renewable Energy Partnerships</strong></h2> <p>On education, the Chief Minister said collaboration with Canadian universities in research and vocational training could be transformative. &ldquo;Education and skill development is another promising area where partnerships with Canadian universities can have a transformative impact,&rdquo; he said.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/3VYXKOT" width="720" /></p> <p>Highlighting healthcare and life sciences, Mann said Canadian firms could explore opportunities in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and telemedicine. He added that renewable energy remains a shared priority, with scope for joint ventures in solar parks and bio-energy projects.</p> <h2><strong>IT, Manufacturing And Export Opportunities</strong></h2> <p>Speaking on technology, the Chief Minister said Punjab offers strong potential for collaboration in cyber security, artificial intelligence and agri-tech. He also highlighted manufacturing and engineering as high-potential sectors, noting that Canada&rsquo;s expertise in agricultural machinery and precision engineering could integrate well with Punjab&rsquo;s industrial clusters.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/dtvzg5s" width="720" /></p> <p>Mann said Punjab&rsquo;s agricultural exports such as wheat, rice, kinnow, litchi and processed food products are in demand in Canada, supported by the large Indian diaspora. He also proposed collaboration in textiles, inviting Canadian companies to partner in producing high-quality textiles and apparel.</p> <h2><strong>Diaspora Role And Investor Summit Invitation</strong></h2> <p>Stressing the role of the Punjabi diaspora in Canada, Mann said it serves as a vital bridge for commercial and cultural exchange. He invited Canada to participate as a Partner Country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/TR4t3ro" width="720" /></p> <p>&ldquo;PPIS 2026 will include special business delegations, sectoral sessions, and high-level roundtable conferences, further strengthening trade and cultural exchange,&rdquo; he said.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/2ZjpSeY" width="720" /></p> <p>The Chief Minister also invited leading Canadian universities to explore establishing campuses in Mohali, calling it a growing education and skill development hub. He said Punjab aims to attract Canadian technology and service companies to set up IT, ITeS operations and Global Capability Centres in Mohali.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/9fsRmlO" width="720" /></p> <p>Assuring full support, Mann said, &ldquo;We will provide tailor-made investment facilitation to Canadian investors.&rdquo; He invited Canadian delegations to attend the Punjab Investor Summit scheduled from March 13 to 15, 2026, at Plaksha University, Mohali.</p> <h2><strong>British Columbia Premier Welcomes Closer Engagement</strong></h2> <p>Thanking the Punjab government for the hospitality, British Columbia Premier David Eby said, &ldquo;The hospitality extended by Punjab has made my visit truly memorable.&rdquo;</p> <p>Highlighting people-to-people ties, he said, &ldquo;Punjab always resides in the hearts of Punjabis living in British Columbia, and this relationship between our people should be further strengthened.&rdquo;</p> <p>Expressing interest in deeper cooperation, the Premier added, &ldquo;We are keen to strengthen business ties with Punjab and will work to explore opportunities for mutual exchange in areas such as skill development, energy, and other sectors.&rdquo;</p>

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