Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Concludes Successful Investment Roadshow in Osaka, Securing Major Japanese Commitments

Punjab Chief Minister Woos Japanese Investors in Osaka

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently concluded a successful investment roadshow in Osaka, Japan, as part of a multi-day tour aimed at attracting foreign direct investment into the Indian state. The event, held on the fourth day of his Japan visit, saw participation from numerous leading Japanese companies expressing keen interest in Punjab's burgeoning industrial landscape.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mann emphasized the strong institutional support for strengthening Indo-Japan economic ties and highlighted Punjab's progressive industrial policies, unified single-window system, and investment-ready opportunities. He underscored the state's commitment to creating a stable and reliable environment for investors, aiming to position Punjab as a globally preferred destination for industry.

Key Investment Commitments and Strategic Partnerships

The Chief Minister's visit yielded significant investment commitments, notably from the steel and specialty films sectors. Japanese steel giant Aichi Steel, known as the steel arm of Toyota, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ludhiana-based Vardhman Special Steels. This agreement outlines a plan to expand operations in Punjab, with a potential investment of approximately ₹500 crore. Aichi Steel already holds a 24.9% stake in Vardhman and serves as a key technology partner.

Earlier in the tour, Toppan Speciality Films Private Limited (TSF), a Japan-based industry leader, committed to investing ₹400 crore to expand its production facility in Punjab. These agreements underscore the growing confidence of international investors in Punjab's economic potential.

Engagements with Japanese Industry Leaders

During his visit, Chief Minister Mann engaged with a wide array of Japanese companies and business organizations. In addition to the investment commitments, he held meetings with representatives from major corporations such as Yamaha, Honda Motor, and Toray Industries in Tokyo. In Osaka, discussions included Air Water Inc. regarding cooperation in industrial gases and engineering equipment, and Tokushima Auction Market and Global Venture Co., Ltd. for agri-market modernization and supply-chain partnerships. The Chief Minister also interacted with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI) to explore collaborations in trade, technology, and SME development.

Senior Japanese dignitaries, including the Director General of JETRO, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Commerce, Industry & Labor, Osaka Prefectural Government, and the Director General of the International Affairs Department, METI Kansai, were present at the Osaka roadshow, signifying strong institutional backing for Indo-Japan economic cooperation.

Punjab's Vision for Industrial Growth

Chief Minister Mann highlighted Punjab's strategic advantages, including its seamless connectivity to the National Capital Region (NCR) and major ports, robust industrial clusters, uninterrupted quality power supply, and a skilled workforce. He showcased the state's governance and regulatory reforms, such as the FastTrack Punjab single-window system, which offers over 173 government-to-business (G2B) services and ensures time-bound in-principle approvals. The state has already facilitated over ₹1.4 lakh crore in on-ground investments through 'Invest Punjab'.

Looking ahead, Chief Minister Mann extended an invitation to Japanese investors to participate in the upcoming 6th Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit, scheduled from March 13 to 15, 2026, at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Mohali. The summit aims to provide a platform for leading industrial players and present new opportunities for partnership and collaboration, further accelerating Punjab's industrial development.