The Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026 launched successfully in Mohali, drawing investment pledges exceeding ₹10,000 crore on the first day. Major industry leaders announced expansion plans, signaling strong confidence in the state’s business climate.
Arvind Kejriwal Outlines Punjab’s Industrial Revival
Addressing attendees, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal emphasized Punjab’s potential to rival global manufacturing hubs like China. He noted that the state government offers comprehensive support for industries, including a 45-day single-window clearance system. This initiative has already attracted ₹1.5 lakh crore in actual investments over four years, creating 5.5 lakh jobs for the youth.
Kejriwal praised Punjab’s rich heritage, calling it the land of gurus, hardworking farmers, patriots, and entrepreneurs. He recalled how Punjab led the nation in per capita income during the 1980s but slipped to 18th place over decades due to economic challenges and debt. Upon taking office in 2022, the government focused on reforms inspired by success stories from Japan, Germany, Singapore, South Korea, and China.
Key lessons included engaging industrialists directly and investing in human capital. Kejriwal detailed extensive consultations with business owners across Punjab, identifying excessive government interference as a major hurdle. In response, the Fast Track Punjab portal launched last June ensures approvals within 45 days—or deemed approval on day 46—via online applications, monitored personally by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora.
“Punjab is the land of gurus and pir paigambars who gave such messages that for centuries have inspired not only Punjab, not only the country, but the entire world,” Kejriwal stated. He contrasted past delays, where approvals required months or bribes to ministers and officers, with the current efficient system.
For MSMEs with investments up to ₹15 crore, no prior approval is needed; a self-certification affidavit suffices, with letters issued in five days—a unique feature nationwide.
Investments in Education and Healthcare Drive Growth
The government prioritizes human capital, mirroring top nations. Punjab climbed from 18th to 1st in national education rankings within three years. Government school students now excel in JEE (300 qualifiers last year) and NEET (800 qualifiers), with teachers training in Finland, Singapore, and Canada.
Healthcare reforms provide up to ₹10 lakh free treatment in government hospitals for poor farmers and laborers, reducing financial distress linked to past farmer suicides. These changes have spurred on-ground investments, not just MOUs.
Kejriwal urged industries to manufacture everyday imports from China, like toys, buckets, and festival idols, asserting Punjabis can produce competitively and export globally. “Tell us what you need to defeat China and we will provide it,” he declared, pledging full support.
CM Bhagwant Mann Boosts Investor Confidence
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann hailed the summit as a new era for economic growth and jobs. He highlighted pledges from HMEL, Tata Steel, JSW, Trident Group, Hero Industries, and others.
“Punjabis are known for their entrepreneurial abilities, innovation and problem solving spirit,” Mann said. He lauded their global success, hard work ethic, and community service through langars, rooted in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings.
Since 2022, advancements span power, health, real estate, infrastructure, and education. Youth now top UPSC, JEE, NEET, and IIT exams; 30 principals train in Singapore. Airports operate in Mohali, Halwara, Amritsar, Bathinda, Pathankot, and Adampur, with rapid road upgrades.
Mann showcased local successes like Sonalika, Preet Tractors, Duke, and Monte Carlo. He committed to skill training aligned with industry needs, flexible policies, and red-carpet welcomes. “Invest Punjab has been recognised as a top investment promotion agency,” he noted, emphasizing good governance, digitization, and transparency.
“Punjab means business,” Mann concluded, inviting leaders to partner for a prosperous future as a global manufacturing hub.
