CHANDIGARH: The SUN Group of the UK Tuesday unveiled an ambitious Institutional Investment and infrastructure development plan for Punjab, embracing diverse sectors of energy, mining, real estate, technology, infrastructure, hoteleering and beverages. 

The outlines of the multi-billion dollars business vision for Punjab were discussed at a high level meeting between the representatives of the State Government and the Sun Group at the official residence of Punjab Chief Minister,  Parkash Singh Badal, here this morning.  The State Industries Minister,  Manoranjan Kalia was also present. The Sun Group delegation was led by its Chairman,  Nand Khemka.

Giving details of the meeting, Media Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Harcharan Bain said that as a first concrete gesture, the Sun Group firmed up a Rs.550 Crore multi facility project in Mohali. Later, the regional consultant of the Sun Group,  Dilbagh Singh Mangat assured the Chief Minister that "the Group was completely happy with the investor friendly climate introduced by the SAD-BJP government in the state. He said that the Group plans to replicate the Mohali venture in other parts of the state like Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Bathinda", said Mangat.

It may be recalled that the SUN Group had already invested heavily in the revival of Punjab Wireless Systems (PUNWIRE) for production of Defence Electronics and Civil Telecom items.

The Chief Executive Officer of the world renowned Doha based Barwa International Group,  Ghassan Al Binali,  who accompanied the Sun Group delegation, made a proposal for a significant  Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in various sectors, especially power.  The Barwa Group is known also for infra-structure development venture including commercial buildings, residential areas, retail complexes and business centres. 

According to the Media Advisor, the US $ 1.5 billion SUN Group and $ 2.6 billion Barwa International jointly assured the Chief Minister that the twin infrastructure giants would jointly put Punjab on the top of the priority areas as a part of their plans on joint ventures in high growth corridors in India. 

Industries Minister  Manoranjan Kalia assured the SUN Group and Barwa International that the state government would extend special facilities to internationally acclaimed entrepreneurs to encourage them to invest in the State.

The Punjab Chief Secretary R.I.Singh, who led the team of Punjab officials at the meeting, said that the Government had thrown its doors open for institutional investors and other players from across the globe for infra-structure development in the Public Private Participation (PPP) mode.  Mr. Singh held a detailed meeting with the visiting delegation immediately after discussions with the Chief Minister were over.