Punjab CM Japan tour could reposition Punjab as a promising industrial hub: Sanjeev Arora

Published on: 05 Dec 2025 at 05:30 PM

Published by: Fact News

Fact News Service

Chandigarh, December 5: Securing new investments for the state which reeled under various problem since the late 1970s and couldn’t recover even when the state resumed nomalcy in the 1990 after terrorism got over.

During the Japan visit, the Punjab government has signed investment deals worth several hundred crores with Japanese companies in sectors like steel, films/packaging, manufacturing, and skilling.

2. Repositioning Punjab as an investment hub

The trip is part of a broader strategy to brand Punjab as:

1. business-friendly, 2, reform-oriented, 3. ready for foreign investment
4. open to advanced manufacturing and technology partnerships

3. Attracting global industries

Japan is strong in sectors Punjab wants to expand in — mobility, auto components, electronics, renewable energy, and high-quality manufacturing. A partnership with Japanese companies can bring tech transfer, expertise, and global market linkages.

4. Improving skill development

Some of the deals involve setting up skill centers to prepare Punjab’s youth for modern industry — a key step to reduce unemployment and migration.

5. Building momentum for the next Investors’ Summit

The visit is also meant to invite major Japanese players to Punjab’s big investment summit in 2026, signaling that the government wants long-term, sustained foreign interest.
Infrastructure, logistics, and ease of doing business need continuous improvement to attract bigger deals and that’s the focus of AAP government, says Sanjeev Arora Industries Minister.

Social issues and skill gaps could slow down the transformation.
Competing Indian states offer strong incentives and better industrial ecosystems.

What this could mean for Punjab?

If the outreach continues and more deals materialize, Punjab could see: revival of industrial growth, new jobs for youth, reduced migration,
diversification away from agriculture, improved revenue and fiscal health, But this will depend heavily on consistent reforms, execution on the ground, and long-term policy stability.