CM Bhagwant Mann meets British Columbia Premier, pitching stronger trade ties and investment opportunities between Punjab and Canada.

Bhagwant Mann, the chief minister of Punjab, emphasized the importance of enhancing trade ties with Canada, especially British Columbia, in order to increase collaboration that benefits both parties’ companies and citizens.

“Canada has always been a strong partner for India and Punjab, and we deeply value this relationship,” CM Mann stated during a meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby. We value Canada and Punjab’s close trade and business relationships and are eager to build on them even further. “Punjab is fully prepared and eager to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance,” he continued.

“Punjab is a leader in agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services, and renewable energy,” the Chief Minister stated, highlighting the province’s economic advantages. Punjab is a great place for Canadian investors to invest because of its strong infrastructure and English-speaking workforce.

“Punjab ranks among the leading states in the country in Ease of Doing Business, and through Invest Punjab, we provide a single-window clearance system along with comprehensive investor support,” he added.

The Chief Minister noted that Punjab’s development aspirations strongly fit with British Columbia’s experience. Punjab’s agricultural modernization objectives are perfectly aligned with British Columbia’s capabilities in greenhouse technologies, food security, and sustainable farming. We anticipate big prospects in value-added food processing, post-harvest technologies, and precision farming,” he stated.

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“Education and skill development is another promising area where partnerships with Canadian universities in research and vocational training can have a transformative impact,” CM said in reference to schooling. “In healthcare and life sciences, there are immense opportunities for Canadian firms in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telemedicine,” the Chief Minister stated, highlighting sector-specific opportunities. “Renewable energy is a shared priority, and Punjab welcomes joint ventures in solar parks and bio-energy projects,” he continued.

“In IT and digital transformation, Punjab has strong potential for collaboration in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and agri-tech projects,” he stated in reference to technology. “Manufacturing and engineering is another high-potential area,” Mann stated in reference to commerce and manufacturing. Punjab’s industrial clusters can benefit greatly from Canada’s precision engineering and agricultural machinery skills.

He went on to say that the sizable Indian diaspora in Canada supports the high demand for Punjab’s agricultural exports, which include wheat, rice, kinnow, litchi, and processed food items. “Canadian companies can join hands with Punjab to develop high-quality textiles and apparel that complement their fashion and retail sectors,” he added, suggesting cooperation in the textile industry.

“The Punjabi diaspora in Canada serves as a strong bridge for commercial and cultural exchange,” the Chief Minister stated, highlighting the diaspora’s importance. Through cultural and educational initiatives, the Punjab government hopes to strengthen these connections even more.

He said, “PPIS 2026 will include special business delegations, sectoral sessions, and high-level roundtable conferences, further strengthening trade and cultural exchange,” and invited Canada to join as a Partner Country.

Leading Canadian institutions were also invited by the chief minister to consider opening campuses in Mohali. “Mohali offers significant advantages for Canadian institutions as a hub for education and skill development for Punjab and neighboring states,” he stated. “We want to draw in Canadian technology and service firms to open IT and ITeS operations and Global Capability Centers in Mohali,” he continued.

“We will offer customized investment facilitation to Canadian investors,” CM stated, guaranteeing complete support. I cordially invite Canadian delegations to attend the Punjab Investor Summit, which will take place at Plaksha University in Mohali from March 13 to 15, 2026. He expressed hope, saying, “This partnership will give impetus to the overall development of both Punjab and British Columbia and herald a new era of bilateral cooperation.”

In the meantime, British Columbia’s premier expressed gratitude to the chief minister for the cordial welcome. “Punjab’s hospitality has made my visit truly memorable,” he remarked. “Punjab always resides in the hearts of Punjabis living in British Columbia, and this relationship between our people should be further strengthened,” he continued, highlighting the importance of interpersonal relationships. “We are keen to strengthen business ties with Punjab and will work to explore opportunities for mutual exchange in areas such as skill development, energy, and other sectors,” the Premier added, expressing excitement for deeper involvement.