Ludhiana’s Manufacturing Strength and Global Ambitions Take Centre Stage at Global RISE-2026
The Ludhiana edition brought together over 85 industry representatives, MSME stakeholders and government officials to discuss global trade, technology adoption and export opportunities across Punjab's industrial ecosystem.
Ravi Jakhu
Ludhiana, November 13, 2026: Ludhiana's manufacturing, auto components, engineering and textile sectors formed the focus of the Ludhiana edition of Global RISE 2026, held at Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, as industry representatives, MSME stakeholders and government officials came together to discuss business competitiveness, global trade opportunities and the changing demands of industrial growth.
The discussions examined how businesses could strengthen their operations, improve quality standards, adopt technology and explore new markets. With Ludhiana playing an important role in Punjab's industrial economy, the event also highlighted the opportunities emerging from India's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and how regional enterprises can leverage these agreements to expand their global footprint, access new markets and strengthen their competitiveness in international trade.
Opening the event, Sandipan Ray, Founder and Director, SMBConnect, highlighted Punjab's industrial strength and the need to connect Ludhiana's businesses with global markets and emerging trade opportunities, saying, "For Ludhiana, the opportunity is not about building an industrial base from scratch. It already has one. The opportunity is to help its strong textile, auto component, bicycle and engineering businesses access newer markets and become more globally competitive. With Global RISE, we are bringing market insights, technology, experts and business connections into the same room so that more enterprises can explore where they can go next."
India's Global Trade Opportunities and Punjab's Industrial Policy
The inaugural keynote by Didarjit Singh Lotey, Vice-President, CICU, focused on "India's Global Trade Moment: Opportunities for Small Businesses." The session examined the opportunities emerging for Indian MSMEs in international trade and the importance of preparing smaller businesses to participate in global markets.
The discussion then moved to Punjab's industrial policy, with Rahul Garg, Assistant Director, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab, addressing "Punjab Industrial Policy 2026: Unlocking New Opportunities for Industry, Investment and MSMEs."
In his address, he talked about the policy framework and its potential to support industrial development, encourage investment and create opportunities for MSMEs across the state.
Building Future-Ready Manufacturing Businesses
Highlighting the business solutions relevant to the evolving financial needs of enterprises, the event moved further with sessions delivered by Sandeep Bajwal, Business Loans, Regional Sales Manager – North, HDFC Bank.
Examining the importance of technology adoption, quality management and operational efficiency in building competitive businesses, the event hosted a panel on Building Future-Ready Businesses: Technology, Quality & Operational Excellence, that brought together Reema Singhal Jain, Marketing Director, Eastman Cast and Forge Limited, Gurmeet Singh, President, FICO and Yadvinder Bahl, GM (International Business), Avon Cycles.
The panel explored how manufacturing and engineering enterprises could strengthen their capabilities to respond to changing market expectations and meet the requirements of wider domestic and international markets.
With the focus shifted to the role of branding in international business growth, Sarvjit Singh Minhas, Export Convenor, CICU and Former Regional Chairman (Northern Region), mentioned the importance of branding in export success for MSMEs in his special address on building a distinct market identity and establishing credibility among buyers.
The session underlined that for MSMEs, strong branding, product positioning and market recognition are also important in building long-term business relationships and competing beyond domestic markets.
Empowering Punjab's MSMEs through Policy Support, Market Access & Way Forward to Global Competitiveness
A special Guest of Honour session focused on the role of government support, institutional mechanisms and market access in strengthening the MSME ecosystem,
led by Pankaj Kumar Jha, Joint Director and Head of Office (IEDS), Ministry of MSME - DFO, Ludhiana, and Mrs. Ishita Thaman, Deputy Director (IES), Ministry of MSME - DFO, Ludhiana.
Overall, the discussions highlighted the importance of enabling businesses to make better use of available support systems and prepare for the demands of an increasingly competitive business environment. The Ludhiana edition concluded with the Global RISE Awards 2026, recognising contributions within the business and MSME ecosystem, followed by lunch and networking.
The event provided an opportunity for participants to exchange perspectives, establish industry connections and continue conversations around business growth and collaboration.