•Industries Minister showcases Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and FTA & Export Facilitation Cell to boost bilateral trade
- Punjab eyes high-growth sectors to tap zero-duty access under CETA
•Punjab not just food bowl but emerging hub of modern industry & innovation: Aman Arora
CHANDIGARH, October 30:–
Positioning Punjab as a prime manufacturing base for UK businesses to leverage zero-duty access under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Punjab Industries & Commerce Minister Mr Aman Arora held strategic talks with a high-level British delegation led by Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, Ms Alba Smeriglio at Invest Punjab, showcasing the state’s new Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and dedicated FTA & Export Facilitation Cell to boost bilateral trade and investments.
The British delegation comprised Ms Alba Smeriglio, First Secretary Trade- India Dr Nicholas Gribit and Senior Trade Adviser, British High Commission Mr Anup Narayan.
While chairing the meeting, Mr. Aman Arora showcased Punjab’s industrial resurgence and readiness to integrate with UK supply chains, with deliberations focused on high-growth sectors including agri-business, food processing, engineering, auto components and industry-linked skilling.
Mr. Aman Arora said that Punjab’s strategic advantage as a gateway to North India makes it an ideal base for UK 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 governance, the Industries Minister detailed the Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026, aimed at creating a frictionless ecosystem for global investors. He also highlighted the dedicated FTA & Export Facilitation Cell set up to handhold international businesses in leveraging trade agreements and maximising export potential from Punjab.
“With Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and our dedicated FTA & Export Facilitation Cell, we are offering a plug-and-play ecosystem for UK businesses to Make in Punjab for the world. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government is committed to being the preferred investment destination for the UK,” Mr Aman Arora stated, while adding that this partnership will drive industrial growth and create high-quality jobs for youth.
The British delegation evinced keen interest in Punjab’s skilled workforce and the state’s efforts to align skilling with industry requirements, particularly in manufacturing and food processing.
Elaborating on Punjab’s investment readiness, Administrative Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Dr Basant Garg said the state offers seamless market access, logistics connectivity and a highly skilled workforce. He emphasised that the FTA & Export Facilitation Cell will provide end-to-end support to UK firms for regulatory compliance, market linkages and export promotion under the CETA framework. He further shared that both sides will maintain sustained engagement and facilitate structured B2B interactions between Punjab industry and British businesses to translate discussions into investments on the ground.
Director Industries Mr. Jaspreet Singh, MD Punjab Financial Corporation Ms. Senu Duggal and other officials were also present in the meeting.
