CM Mann Urges Seoul Diaspora to Pitch Punjab to Korean Investors
ACT AS BRAND AMBASSADORS OF YOUR HOMELAND AND INSPIRE KOREAN COMPANIES TO INVEST IN THE STATE: CM TO PUNJABIS IN SEOUL
*BHAGWANT MANN BEGINS HIS SOUTH KOREA VISIT AFTER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THE ONE IN JAPAN*
*SHOWCASES PUNJAB AS THE MOST PREFERRED DESTINATION IN GLOBE*
*PUNJABI DIASPORA ACCORDS WARM WELCOME TO CM*
Chandigarh, December 7:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday gave a clarion call to the Punjabi diaspora in Seoul to act as Ambassadors of the state for inspiring the Korean companies to invest in the state, which has now emerged as most preferable investment destination in the globe.
During an interactive community programme with the vibrant Punjabi diaspora in Seoul during his visit to South Korea, the Chief Minister said that due to industrial friendly policies of the state government investors are already making beeline to invest in Punjab adding that Punjabis in Seoul should further help the state to attract investments by becoming its brand ambassadors. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a Punjabi is a born entrepreneur and every one of us must make efforts to put state on high orbit of industrial growth trajectory. Striking an emotional chord with the Punjabis, he said that the state government is already providing conducive conditions to industry in the state adding that it is now their turn to serve their motherland.
The Chief Minister said that this will open new vistas of employment for youth besides giving major push to the industrial development of the state thereby carving out a Rangla Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjabis are global citizens who have carved a niche for themselves in every corner of the world adding that the qualities of hard work, innovation and energy are imbued in their blood.
The Chief Minister commended the community for their entrepreneurial spirit, cultural commitment, and contributions in strengthening people-to-people and business-to-business linkages. He also urged the m to play an active role in guiding Korean companies to consider Punjab as a preferred investment destination. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann also solicited their fulsome support and cooperation to help create greater opportunities for employment, innovation, and technology collaboration in the state.
The Chief Minister said that his vision is simple and clear to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering stability in policy, speed in decision-making, and a governance system that respects the time and trust of investors. He said that Punjab’s approach is based on partnership and working closely with industry, by understanding their needs and ensuring that the government becomes an enabler of growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that Punjab has strengthened its infrastructure, expanded its industrial capacity and opened new avenues for investment.
The Chief Minister also showcased the state’s governance and regulatory reforms, including the FastTrack Punjab single-window system offering 173 services, auto-deemed approvals, PAN-based business identifiers, and amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act enabling time-bound in-principle approvals. He also highlighted Punjab’s industrial infrastructure adding that over Rs 1.4 lakh crore of on ground investments which have already been facilitated through Invest Punjab. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his vision is simple and clear to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering stability in policy, speed in decision-making, and a governance system that respects the time and trust of investors.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s approach is based on partnership and working closely with industry, by understanding their needs and ensure that government acts as a catalyst of growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has strengthened its infrastructure, expanded its industrial capacity and opened new avenues for investment. He said that partnership between government and industry is key to success and the state government firmly believes that industrial growth can only be achieved when we work as equal partners.
Meanwhile, the diaspora warmly welcomed the delegation, expressing pride in Punjab’s global outreach and sharing their continued efforts to promote Punjabi culture among Koreans through celebrations of festivals, language, cuisine, and traditions.
The diaspora expressed optimism that the visit will open a new chapter in Punjab–South Korea relations, paving the way for enduring partnerships and mutually beneficial outcomes across industry, technology, and cultural exchange.
Managing Director of Aran International, Chodda Akash expressed interest in exploring investments in Punjab’s food processing sector. Dr. (Prof.) Lakhvinder Singh, an eminent scholar, also welcomed the Chief Minister’s initiative to organise an investment roadshow in South Korea, particularly to attract investments in the defence and aerospace sectors. Chairperson of the Punjabi Association in Korea, Meenakshi Pawar acknowledged that after a long interval, a high-level representative from the Government of Punjab had visited South Korea, and emphasised that this renewed engagement opens new prospects for long-term cooperation.
Earlier, the Chief Minister began his South Korea Leg of International Investment Outreach, after a highly productive Japan visit. Bhagwant Singh Mann held a detailed briefing session with the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea Gourangalal Das. During the meeting, he outlined the Government of Punjab’s vision to foster deeper economic and technological collaboration, particularly in high potential sectors such as food processing, agri-tech, renewable energy, manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and urban infrastructure. Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted Punjab’s evolving industrial ecosystem, progressive policies, and competitive advantages that position the state as a strategic gateway to North India.
On Monday, the Punjab delegation will embark on a packed day of high-level engagements, beginning with meetings with major Korean companies, including Daewoo E&C, GS E&C, and Nongshim, to explore opportunities in construction engineering, infrastructure development, and advanced food processing. The Chief Minister will then participate in a Roundtable on Ease of Doing Business in Punjab, attended by leading legal firms, financial investors, advisory groups, and business associations, aimed at providing Korean stakeholders a clear understanding of Punjab’s governance reforms, transparency mechanisms, and facilitation framework for investors.
This will be followed by a visit to Pangyo Techno Valley, South Korea’s premier innovation and technology cluster, where the delegation will study best practices in R&D, start-up ecosystems, and high-tech industrial development. The day will conclude with a focused engagement with the Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA) to explore collaborations in defence manufacturing, aerospace technologies, and future-ready industrial capabilities suited for Punjab.