Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora on Friday held strategic discussions with a high-level British delegation to explore opportunities for boosting trade and investment under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The meeting, held at Invest Punjab, focused on positioning the state as a preferred manufacturing destination for UK businesses seeking to leverage zero-duty access to the Indian market and expand their global supply chains.
The British delegation was led by Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, Alba Smeriglio and included First Secretary Trade-India Dr Nicholas Gribit and Senior Trade Adviser at the British High Commission, Anup Narayan.
During the meeting, Aman Arora showcased Punjab's industrial potential and highlighted the state's new Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 and dedicated FTA and Export Facilitation Cell. Discussions focused on high-growth sectors such as agri-business, food processing, engineering, auto components and industry-linked skill development.
Arora said Punjab's strategic location as a gateway to North India, coupled with its skilled workforce and growing industrial ecosystem, makes it an ideal destination for British businesses.
"Punjab is not just the food bowl of India, but is rapidly emerging as a hub of modern industry and innovation. Our dialogue with the UK delegation focused on leveraging vast opportunities under the India-UK CETA. Punjab's strengths in agri-business and engineering are a natural fit for UK expertise," he said.
Highlighting the state's investor-friendly policies, the minister said the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 aims to provide a seamless environment for global investors. The dedicated FTA and Export Facilitation Cell will assist international businesses in navigating trade agreements and maximising export opportunities from Punjab.
"With Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 and our dedicated FTA and Export Facilitation Cell, we are offering a plug-and-play ecosystem for UK businesses to Make in Punjab for the world. The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is committed to making the state a preferred investment destination for the UK," Arora said.
He added that stronger economic ties between Punjab and the UK would accelerate industrial growth and generate high-quality employment opportunities for the state's youth.
The British delegation expressed keen interest in Punjab's skilled workforce and initiatives to align skill development programs with industry requirements, particularly in manufacturing and food processing.
Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Dr Basant Garg said Punjab offers seamless market access, strong logistics connectivity and a highly skilled workforce. He added that the FTA and Export Facilitation Cell would provide end-to-end assistance to UK companies in regulatory compliance, market linkages and export promotion under the CETA framework.
Garg further said both sides would maintain regular engagement and facilitate structured business-to-business (B2B) interactions between Punjab-based industries and British companies to translate discussions into concrete investment proposals.
Director Industries Jaspreet Singh, Managing Director of Punjab Financial Corporation Senu Duggal and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
