Progressive Summit Promises Major Investments, Boost to Employment

In a major push to attract global investment, the three-day Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, took place in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar from 13–15 Mar, drawing industrialists and investors from across the world. The Panjab government secured commitments worth USD 1.08B on the opening day of the summit with industrialist Lakshmi Niwas Mittal announcing that HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) will invest USD 281M in the fine chemicals sector and JSW Group will plan USD 330M expansion of its Rajpura plant. Tata Steel, JSW, Trident Group, Hero Industries and several others announced plans to set up more ventures in Panjab. Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, ‘This marks the beginning of a new phase of economic growth, employment, and industrial expansion, as the state positions itself as a major investment destination.’ He urged industries to invest, create jobs, and contribute to Panjab’s vision of a progressive and prosperous state, while the government works to connect skill development programs to industry needs for building a skilled workforce. On the second day of the summit, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal promised all necessary support to the industry to compete with China in the manufacturing sector. The Republic of Korea Country Session highlighted the growing economic partnership between Panjab and Korea with discussions focusing on advanced manufacturing, technology collaboration, MSME linkages, and future investment opportunities. During the session ‘Bicycles and e-bikes’, industry leaders proposed a shift towards high-tech e-mobility and Swiss-inspired tandem bikes. The session underscored that Panjab produces around 90% of India's bicycles for elite global markets, yet cycling has not caught up in the state and it was time to re-invent the proverbial wheel. On 11 Mar, the PANJ Foundation organized The Punjab Plan 2026, a Policy and Governance Summit in Chandigarh. The summit brought together a distinguished gathering of policymakers, academics, administrators, and media professionals to deliberate on Punjab’s pressing challenges and chart a strategic roadmap for the state’s future. The summit concluded with a declaration resolving to establish seven working pillars to guide future policy engagement: Governance as a Public Asset; Rejuvenation of Punjab’s Economy; Professional Management of Public Finances; Harmonious Sectoral Development; Human Resources as Drivers of Development; Resource and Ecological Security; and Institutionalised Leadership and Empowerment.