Punjab invites UK businesses to set up manufacturing units, offers plug-and-play investment ecosystem
Industries Minister Aman Arora highlights new industrial policy and export facilitation support to tap opportunities under India-UK trade pact
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 30, 2026: Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora on Friday invited UK businesses to use the state as a manufacturing base to access international markets, particularly through zero-duty benefits under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
During a meeting with a high-level British delegation led by Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh Alba Smeriglio at Invest Punjab, Arora showcased the state’s Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 and its dedicated FTA and Export Facilitation Cell to attract British investments and strengthen bilateral trade.
The delegation included First Secretary (Trade-India) Dr Nicholas Gribit and Senior Trade Adviser at the British High Commission Anup Narayan.
Discussions focused on investment opportunities in high-growth sectors such as agri-business, food processing, engineering, auto components and industry-linked skill development.
Describing Punjab as an emerging industrial destination, Arora said the state was no longer just India’s food bowl but was also developing into a hub of modern industry and innovation.
“Punjab’s strategic advantage as a gateway to North India makes it an ideal base for UK businesses. Our dialogue with the UK delegation focused on leveraging the vast opportunities under the India-UK CETA. Punjab’s strengths in agri-business and engineering are a natural fit for UK expertise,” he said.
The minister highlighted the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026, which aims to create an investor-friendly environment and simplify the process of setting up businesses in the state.
He also explained the role of the dedicated FTA and Export Facilitation Cell in assisting international companies in understanding trade agreements and maximising export opportunities.
“With the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 and our dedicated FTA and Export Facilitation Cell, we are offering a plug-and-play ecosystem for UK businesses to Make in Punjab for the world,” Arora said.
He added that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government was committed to making the state a preferred investment destination for British companies, with the proposed partnership expected to promote industrial growth and generate quality employment opportunities for youth.
The British delegation showed keen interest in Punjab’s skilled workforce and efforts to align skill development programmes with industry requirements, particularly in manufacturing and food processing.
Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Dr Basant Garg said Punjab offered access to a large market, strong logistics connectivity and a skilled workforce.
He said the FTA and Export Facilitation Cell would provide end-to-end assistance to UK companies in regulatory compliance, market linkages and export promotion under the CETA framework.
Garg added that both sides would continue engagement and facilitate structured business-to-business interactions between Punjab-based industries and British companies to translate discussions into investments.
Director of Industries Jaspreet Singh, Managing Director of Punjab Financial Corporation Senu Duggal and other officials were also present at the meeting.