On Tuesday, Bhagwant Singh Mann really pushed Punjab as a place to invest in the Netherlands, having one meeting after another to make the economy and relationships between people of both places stronger. This visit, the government said in an official announcement, is part of its effort to get more investment.
Investment outreach in The Hague
At an investment event in The Hague, Mann showed off Punjab’s industrial capabilities and new chances for businesses. People from businesses, industries and with a stake in things happening in the Netherlands were there, the announcement said.
He talked about the long history and similar cultures of Punjab and the Netherlands, saying they are the basis for working together in a useful way. He said the shared beliefs in being able to recover from difficulties, being open and accepting of new things, and being innovative will push forward partnerships in the future.
Push for bilateral business linkages
Mann spoke with the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade, with the Chairperson leading the discussion, and asked for a stronger link between businesses in the two countries. He asked the Chamber to connect Punjab businesses with companies in the Netherlands and to arrange specific meetings and trips for business people from each place.
The announcement says Mann wants more money to be invested in both Punjab and the Netherlands. He presented Punjab as a dependable partner for businesses that want to grow quickly, easily and get to the market.
He clearly explained the main ideas discussed:
– Increasing the value of things in important areas
– Growth based on exporting things
– Being included in the way products are made and delivered around the world
– Concentrating on how food is processed
– Strong manufacturing
– Making it easier to start and run a business
– The Industrial Policy 2026 which is designed to help businesses compete
Pitch to global investors
Mann invited investors from all over the world to “come, invest and grow in Punjab”, and emphasized the advantages of Punjab as a location. The government has promised to make investing as easy as possible, the announcement noted.
He also asked companies in the Netherlands to think about Punjab when they are starting new businesses or expanding ones they already have. The aim of this outreach is to find a match between the special skills of the Netherlands and the areas where Punjab is ready to grow.
Ease of doing business and policy direction
Mann emphasized that Punjab is taking a proactive, changing approach to encouraging investment and making it easier to do business. He said Punjab’s Industrial Policy t for 2026 is one of the most competitive in the country.
The announcement pointed out the work being done to simplify procedures, reduce problems and help investors with predictable rules. Getting approvals quickly and helping investors is the main focus.
Sector focus and strategic positioning
Mann emphasized Punjab’s effort to increase value, focus on exporting and get more closely involved in global supply chains. Food processing and manufacturing were called out as areas where the Netherlands and Punjab could work together in a big way.
He said the basic foundations of Punjab are strong and ready for investment. This message was for businesses looking for reliable partners and a smooth way to get into the Indian market.
Engaging the diaspora
During a meeting with people from the Punjabi community, Mann spoke to members of the Punjabi people living in the Netherlands. He thanked the Indian and Punjabi people in the Netherlands for their contributions to the cultural and economic connections between the two places.
Sanjeev Arora (Cabinet Minister), K A P Sinha (Chief Secretary) and Kumar Tuhin (Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands) were also at the meetings. Their being there showed the official support for this outreach.
Why the visit matters
The Netherlands is a center for agricultural technology, getting things from place to place, and making things in a modern way; these areas fit with Punjab’s priorities. By trying to get businesses from the Netherlands, Punjab hopes to speed up growth based on exporting and being included in supply chains.
The official announcement said the meetings are meant to turn interest into actual partnerships. The emphasis is on discussing specific areas and arranging carefully selected trips for business people.
What comes next
This visit, which is part of a continuing effort to get more investment, is to create ways for trade and working together. Mann’s invitation to investors is a first step towards more discussions, which will be managed by the NICCT and others involved.
The government, according to the announcement, plans to make the next steps easy for businesses that are interested. The goal is to turn the things they have in common into real, lasting economic results.
