MUMBAI, Feb 4: Punjab's push to position itself as a global investment hub gathered momentum on Tuesday as the Hinduja Group, one of the world's leading diversified conglomerates, signalled strong interest in investing in the state following detailed discussions with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Presenting Punjab as a stable, future-ready and business-friendly destination, the Chief Minister underlined the state's expanding industrial footprint, policy reforms and growing investor confidence, backed by investment proposals worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore received since March 2022 and a clear roadmap spanning sectors from electric mobility to digital services. During the meeting, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "Punjab is the best state in the country from the investment point of view as it is credited with the best infrastructure facilities, surplus power, a pool of skilled manpower, excellent road, rail and air connectivity, a flawless telecommunication network and above all, ease of doing business," Elaborating on the opportunities available, the Punjab CM said that Punjab offers immense scope for investment in sectors such as electric vehicles, financial and digital services, digital transformation and cyber security, renewable energy and sustainability, healthcare and social impact, industrial and real estate collaboration, strategic acquisitions and investments, among others. "Punjab has always been a land of resilience, enterprise and rich heritage, and the Hinduja Group can be immensely benefited from it," he said, adding that Punjab is proud to be the Food Basket of India and contributes the largest share to the nation's grain pool. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that while Punjab has traditionally played a vital role in ensuring the country's food security, the state's industrial journey has now taken a dynamic turn. "Today Punjab is an industrial powerhouse, leading in sectors such as food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycles, information technology, tourism and others," he said. He added that Punjab's industrial growth has acquired a global character, with investors from across the world recognising the state's potential. "Since March 2022, Punjab has received investment proposals worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore, with the potential to create over 5.3 lakh jobs, positioning the state as an emerging hub for industrial growth and innovation," he said. |