Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Seeks Deeper Trade, Investment Partnership With British Columbia

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday called for stronger economic and trade ties between Punjab and Canada, with a special emphasis on cooperation with the province of British Columbia.

He said closer collaboration could create meaningful opportunities for businesses and people in both regions.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while meeting British Columbia Premier David Eby in Chandigarh.

Reiterating the long-standing relationship between India, Punjab and Canada, Mann said, “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 added, “Punjab is fully prepared and enthusiastic to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance.”

Presenting Punjab as a preferred investment destination, Mann highlighted the state’s strengths across key industries.

“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.

He also pointed to business-friendly reforms in the state, noting, “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.”

The Chief Minister said British Columbia’s expertise fits well with Punjab’s development priorities, especially in agriculture.

“British Columbia’s strengths in sustainable farming, food security, and greenhouse technologies align perfectly with Punjab’s agricultural modernization goals. We foresee significant opportunities in precision farming, post-harvest systems, and value-added food processing,” he said.

Education and skills were identified as another key area for collaboration. Mann said, “Education and skill development is another promising area where partnerships with Canadian universities in research and vocational training can have a transformative impact.”

Highlighting sector-specific opportunities, he said, “In healthcare and life sciences, there are immense opportunities for Canadian firms in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telemedicine.”

He added, “Renewable energy is a shared priority, and Punjab welcomes joint ventures in solar parks and bio-energy projects.”

On technology, Mann noted, “In IT and digital transformation, Punjab has strong potential for collaboration in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and agri-tech projects.”

Manufacturing and trade also featured prominently in the discussions. “Manufacturing and engineering is another high-potential area. Canada’s expertise in agricultural machinery and precision engineering can integrate well with Punjab’s industrial clusters,” Mann said.

He added that Punjab’s farm exports, including wheat, rice, kinnow, litchi and processed food products, are in strong demand in Canada due to the large Indian diaspora.

On textiles, he said, “Canadian companies can join hands with Punjab to develop high-quality textiles and apparel that complement their fashion and retail sectors.”

Stressing the importance of people-to-people ties, Mann said, “The Punjabi diaspora in Canada serves as a strong bridge for commercial and cultural exchange. The Punjab Government aims to deepen these ties further through cultural and educational programs.”

Inviting Canada to participate as a Partner Country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, he said, “PPIS 2026 will include special business delegations, sectoral sessions, and high-level roundtable conferences, further strengthening trade and cultural exchange.”

The Chief Minister also invited Canadian universities to consider setting up campuses in Mohali.

“As an education and skill development hub for Punjab and neighbouring states, Mohali offers significant advantages for Canadian institutions,” he said, adding, “Our objective is to attract Canadian technology and service companies to establish IT and ITeS operations and Global Capability Centers in Mohali.”

Assuring full support to investors, Mann said, “We will provide tailor-made investment facilitation to Canadian investors. I extend a warm invitation to Canadian delegations to participate in the Punjab Investor Summit to be held from March 13 to 15, 2026 at Plaksha University, Mohali.”

Expressing confidence, he added, “This partnership will herald a new era of bilateral cooperation and give impetus to the overall development of both Punjab and British Columbia.”

Meanwhile, Premier David Eby thanked the Punjab government for its hospitality. “The hospitality extended by Punjab has made my visit truly memorable,” he said. Emphasising emotional 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.”

He also expressed interest in expanding cooperation, saying, “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.”