On December 3, 2025, the Embassy of India in Japan and the Government of Punjab co-hosted an investment promotion roadshow at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Led by H.E. Mr. Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, the high-level delegation introduced the state’s latest business environment, priority sectors, and collaboration opportunities for Japanese companies.
The Fuji Room welcomed participants from manufacturing, IT, food processing, energy, and other key industries. The event provided valuable insights through presentations and direct dialogue with Punjab’s senior officials, supported by simultaneous Japanese–English interpretation.
■ Punjab: A High-Potential State with Strong Japan Ties
Punjab, located in northern India with a population of approximately 27 million, is known for its robust presence in manufacturing, ESDM (Electronic System Design & Manufacturing), agriculture and food processing, textiles and apparel, IT/AVGC, and renewable energy.
In recent years, the state has earned notable recognition for improving its business environment:
- “Top Achiever” in Ease of Doing Business
- “Fast Mover” in LEADS 2024
- Consistently ranked among the top investment promotion agencies
Major urban centers such as Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Mohali boast strong industrial clusters in manufacturing, IT, and food processing, supported by transparent and efficient administration.
■ A State with Exceptionally Strong Relations with Japan
Punjab has long maintained close ties with Japan. A dedicated Japan Desk within the state government provides active support for Japanese investors. Currently, around 70–100 Japan-related companies operate in Punjab across manufacturing, machinery, food processing, and IT.
Punjab’s flagship investment event, the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit (PPIS), selected Japan as the Partner Country for three consecutive editions—2019, 2021, and 2023.
This underscores Punjab’s clear message: Japan is one of the state’s most valued investment and technology partners.
At each PPIS, special sessions for Japanese delegations, tailored investment briefings, and networking programs have resulted in numerous collaborative projects between Indian and Japanese companies.
■ Event Highlights: Chief Minister Mann’s Remarks & Message to Japanese Investors
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann outlined Punjab’s core policy priorities, emphasizing:
- Food security
- An innovation-driven economy
- Quality job creation for the youth
- Strengthening investor confidence
He also highlighted the state’s significant administrative reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business, including:
- Fast Punjab Portal: full online processing and progress tracking for approvals
- 45-business-day clearance guarantee for licenses and permissions
- Right to Business Act, ensuring predictable and transparent procedures for investors
Chief Minister Mann conveyed a warm message to the Japanese business community, stating his hope that Japanese investors will feel “as if they are returning home” when doing business in Punjab. He underscored the state’s advantages in transportation connectivity, governance transparency, and its young, highly skilled workforce.
He further expressed a strong interest in expanding collaboration with Japan not only in industry but also in sports science, including hockey and cricket, as well as tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
■ Japan × Punjab: Collaboration Cases and Voices from Industry Leaders
During the Industry Experience Sharing session, several prominent speakers highlighted successful Japan–Punjab collaboration cases:
- Vardhman Steels – Mr. Sahit Jain: Introduced the joint venture case with Aichi Steel
- Hero Motors – Mr. Pankaj Munjal: Shared insights on manufacturing excellence and global partnership strategy
- Xlscout – Ms. Hiroyo Clemente: Presented innovation-driven cooperation models between Japanese partners and Punjab’s technology ecosystem
From the government side, Mr. Sanjeev Arora, Minister of Industries & Commerce, outlined Punjab’s latest investment policies, incentive structures, priority sectors, and partnership frameworks designed specifically for Japanese companies.
The session also introduced the dynamic growth of cultural industries in Punjab—music, animation, and sports—reflecting the state’s evolving creative economy. One particularly memorable comment was that “Punjab has the potential to become a global model.”
■ JETRO Comment: India’s Growing Importance and “The Next Step Forward”
In the closing remarks, Mr. Suzuki from JETRO New Delhi took the stage, emphasizing that “India is now the only country where one can clearly envision a strong medium- to long-term growth story.”
He noted that the significance of the Indian market is reflected in the evolving themes of Japan–India collaboration. While a government seminar in 2014 centered on “Make in India,” by 2025 the focus has dramatically shifted toward advanced sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, and digital innovation.
Mr. Suzuki also stressed that “India cannot be developed as a market through trade alone. Investment and partnerships with local stakeholders are essential.” For Japanese companies, choosing which state and which city to enter is a critical strategic decision. In this context, he highlighted that Punjab is emerging as one of the promising candidates for Japanese businesses seeking their next foothold in India.
■ Networking: Diverse Japanese Companies Engage, Focus on “Post-EV New Industries”
During the networking lunch, participants from a wide range of Japanese companies—including food, metal processing, IT, startups, and renewable energy—exchanged business cards with the Punjab delegation.
IRuniverse also connected with JiiPA, investors, recruitment firms, and companies in automotive and steel sectors. Key topics that emerged included “end-of-life vehicle recycling in India” and “hydrogen energy”, highlighting growing interest in next-generation industries.
■ Next Steps: IRuniverse Heads to Jaipur in January, Punjab Investment Summit in March
The Punjab side concluded the event by extending an official invitation to the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit (PPIS) 2026, scheduled for March 13–15, 2026, in SAS Nagar (Mohali).
IRuniverse is also set to participate in the MRAI Jaipur - IMRC 2026 Convention & Exposition in Jaipur next January. --- We will organize an on-site tour in Jaipur and share the latest updates directly from India!
(IRuniverse, R.S.)
