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Global industrial leaders back Punjab’s growth story as Mann govt pitches business-friendly reforms

Mohali: The Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026 began on a strong note on Friday with investment commitments exceeding ₹10,000 crore on the opening day, as major industrial groups announced expansion plans in the state.

Addressing investors at the summit in Mohali, Arvind Kejriwal, national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, said the Punjab government would provide every facility needed for industries to compete globally, even with China. He said the business-friendly environment created under the government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann had already helped attract investments worth about ₹1.5 lakh crore in four years.

The summit witnessed the participation of leading industrialists, including Lakshmi Niwas Mittal of ArcelorMittal, Sajjan Jindal of JSW Group, T.V Narendran, MD  of Tata Steel, and Sunil Kant Munjal of Hero Enterprises, among others.

Industry Leaders Express Confidence in Punjab

Industrialist Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, the chairman of ArcelorMittal, whose group operates the HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) refinery in Bathinda, praised the state government for creating a stable and investor-friendly climate.

Mittal said, “Punjab has always been a land of enterprise and resilience. With the reforms underway, I see great potential for industrial expansion here. The HMEL refinery is already a major energy hub, and we are keen to explore further opportunities in the state.”

JSW Group Plans Expansion

Chairman of JSW Group, Sajjan Jindal, also expressed confidence in Punjab’s industrial ecosystem. He said, “Punjab has the talent, infrastructure and entrepreneurial spirit needed for large-scale industrial development. With the government ensuring faster approvals and a transparent system, companies like ours are looking at expanding our footprint in the state.”

Tata Steel Sees Strong Manufacturing Potential

Senior leadership from Tata Steel, which is already establishing a ₹3,200-crore project in Ludhiana, highlighted Punjab’s strategic advantages. The company’s Managing Director, T.V. Narendran, said, “Punjab offers excellent connectivity, a strong, trialist Sunil Kant Munjal said Punjab’s industrial revival was linked to policy stability and a strong partnership between government and industry.

He remarked, “The reforms introduced in recent years, especially faster approvals and industry engagement, have created a positive environment. Punjab has immense potential to become a manufacturing and innovation hub in northern India.”

₹1.58 Lakh Crore Investments Since 2022

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said several companies had announced expansion plans during the summit, including HMEL, Tata Steel, JSW, Trident Group and Hero Industries.

“On the very first day of the summit, Punjab has secured investments worth more than ₹10,000 crore. Since 2022, the state has attracted investment proposals worth ₹1.58 lakh crore, creating employment opportunities for over 5.5 lakh youth,” he said.

Mann described the summit as “the beginning of a new era for Punjab’s economy, employment and industrial growth.”

Single-Window Approvals in 45 Days

Kejriwal highlighted governance reforms introduced to improve the business climate, including a single-window clearance system guaranteeing approvals within 45 days.

“If approvals are not granted within 45 days, they are automatically deemed approved,” he said, adding that MSMEs with investments up to ₹15 crore can begin operations through self-certification.

He said the government had also prioritised education, healthcare and skill development to ensure industries have access to a trained workforce.

Punjab’s Economic Revival

Kejriwal said Punjab was once the most prosperous state in India but had slipped economically over the past four decades.

“Today, the environment is changing. Investments worth ₹1.5 lakh crore have already started coming to Punjab, and the positivity among industry leaders is clearly visible,” he said.

Calling on entrepreneurs to manufacture more products domestically rather than rely on imports, he added, “Tell us what you need to compete with China, and we will provide it.” Chief Minister Mann invited investors to partner with the state in building a “Rangla Punjab”, emphasising that the government is committed to transforming Punjab into a major industrial and export hub.