Punjab CM Highlights Rajpura-Patiala IMC in Japan, South Korea Investment Drive

CM's Investment Outreach Mission

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the overwhelming response of investors during his recent Japan and South Korea visit will prove to be a new milestone in the industrial progress of the state, further positioning it as the most preferred investment destination. The motive of the visit was to firm up investments in the state and create more employment opportunities for the youth by giving fillip to industrial development.

Government sources said the visit will allow Punjab officials to examine global best practices in research and development, startup ecosystems, and high-tech industrial development, with a view to adapting relevant models back home.

Rajpura-Patiala IMC: Punjab's Flagship Industrial Cluster

Rajpura-Patiala has been identified as an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) for development in the State of Punjab. The cluster, spanning 1,099 acres at the junction of NH-44 and NH-64, ensures seamless connectivity to Chandigarh, Mohali, Ludhiana, and Ambala, with an investment potential of ₹7,500 crore and expected employment of over 64,000 jobs.

Land distribution shows careful planning: 60% goes to industrial plots, 15% to green spaces and water bodies, and 14% to transportation infrastructure. The cluster targets electronics system design manufacturing (ESDM), fabricated metal products, and chemicals for primary focus, with food and beverages, pharmaceutical, machinery, textile, and rubber industries as secondary focus.

Key Meetings and Investor Interest

During the Japan visit, CEO and EVP of Aisan Industry Co., Ltd showed positive interest in evaluating Punjab for future manufacturing or R&D opportunities, while Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. expressed openness to exploring EV mobility, R&D collaboration, and skill development initiatives.

At Honda Motor Co., Ltd., representatives shared that they are in the process of exploring component manufacturing through Indian partners in Punjab. The Director General, South Asia Department of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reaffirmed interest in supporting Punjab's development initiatives through technical cooperation and capacity-building programs, especially in crop diversification.

In South Korea, the aim was to boost high-potential sectors such as food processing, agri-tech, renewable energy, manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and urban infrastructure.

Punjab's Investment Track Record

Punjab has received investment proposals worth ₹1.5 lakh crore since March 2022, reflecting rising investor confidence driven by policy reforms, infrastructure development, and a business-friendly governance framework.

Punjab ranks as a Top Achiever in Ease of Doing Business and has launched the Fast Track Punjab Portal, India's most advanced single-window system offering over 200 government-to-business approvals and services with zero offline applications and fast-track approvals, while the Punjab Right to Business Act provides in-principle approval within just five days for eligible units up to Rs 125 crore.

What's Next: The Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026

The CM led the delegation as part of the state government's outreach in the run-up to the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit scheduled from March 13–15, 2026, in Mohali. The state is preparing for one of its biggest industrial outreach programmes, with the summit expected to bring together leading domestic and international companies at a time when the Bhagwant Mann-led government is aggressively pushing to transform Punjab into an investment-driven economy.

The Rajpura-Patiala IMC project is scheduled for implementation from April 1, 2026 through April 11, 2029.