iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Punjab is looking to deepen its economic and institutional engagement with Canada as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met British Columbia Premier David Eby on Friday, January 16, and called for stronger trade and investment ties that deliver clear benefits on both sides.
During the meeting, Mann highlighted the long-standing relationship between India, Punjab, and Canada, and stressed the need to build on existing cooperation.
“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,” he said, as quoted by IANS.
The Chief Minister said Punjab is keen to work closely with Canadian companies across several sectors. “Punjab is fully prepared and enthusiastic to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance,” he added.
Outlining the state’s economic strengths, Mann pointed to Punjab’s leadership in agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services, and renewable energy.
“Punjab is a leader in agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services, and renewable energy. With robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce proficient in the English language, Punjab offers an ideal destination for Canadian investors,” he said.
Mann also emphasized the state’s investor-friendly policies and ease of doing business. “Punjab ranks among the leading states in the country in ease-of-doing business, and through Invest Punjab, we provide a single-window clearance system along with comprehensive investor support,” he said.
He noted that the expertise of British Columbia aligns closely with Punjab’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture. “British Columbia’s strengths in sustainable farming, food security, and greenhouse technologies align perfectly with Punjab’s agricultural modernisation goals. We foresee significant opportunities in precision farming, post-harvest systems, and value-added food processing,” he said.
Education and skills were also highlighted as key areas for cooperation. “Education and skill development are another promising area where partnerships with Canadian universities in research and vocational training can have a transformative impact,” Mann said.
Stressing the importance of the Punjabi diaspora, he said the community in Canada “serves as a strong bridge for commercial and cultural exchange,” adding that the state government wants to deepen these links through cultural and educational programs.
Mann also invited Canada to participate as a partner country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, saying the event would feature business delegations, sector-focused sessions, and high-level roundtables to strengthen trade and cultural ties. He further invited leading Canadian universities to explore setting up campuses in Mohali.
Premier Eby thanked the Chief Minister for the reception and spoke warmly about the connection between the two regions. “The hospitality extended by Punjab has made my visit truly memorable,” he said.
Emphasizing people-to-people ties, he added, “Punjab always resides in the hearts of Punjabis living in British Columbia, and this relationship between our people should be further strengthened.”
Expressing interest in closer engagement, Eby said, “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.”
Photo: x.com/BhagwantMann
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