SAS NAGAR-Captains of industry from across the globe on Friday hailed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for transforming Punjab into a major investment destination during the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit, with leading industrialists praising the policies of the Punjab Government and announcing fresh investments and expansion plans in the state.
Executive Chairman of the world’s leading steel company ArcelorMittal Lakshmi N Mittal said, “It is a great honour for me to be in Punjab because this land teaches hard work, resilience and generosity. Punjab is not only a state but a spirit of energy, courage and the determination to keep moving forward. Punjabis have a unique identity wherever they are in the world because of their unprecedented hard work and devotion.”
He added, “Punjabis have created empires with firm commitment from farms to trades across the globe. The Bathinda refinery is a strong foundation for the upcoming industry in Punjab with the latest technologies. We have made investments worth more than ₹60, 000 crore in Punjab which is the biggest investment in Punjab so far. In view of the current LPG shortage, the refinery has increased production from 1000 tonnes to 3000 tonnes per day. With the constant support of the Punjab Government, we have also established a mega world-scale petrochemical complex at an outlay of ₹26, 000 crore which is giving a major boost to MSMEs and accelerating social and economic growth in Punjab.”
Lakshmi N Mittal further announced new expansion plans and said, “Our company will enhance its participation in renewable and sustainable energy. We will enter the petrol pump sector by setting up 500 fuel stations using modern technology and artificial intelligence. The first petrol pump in Punjab will be started in Bathinda shortly. I appreciate the cooperation of the Punjab Government and the personal interest taken by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann in giving priority to the industrial sector and its rapid growth. The partnership between our company and the Punjab Government to strengthen the industrial sector in Punjab will be long lasting and we are ready to contribute even more to Punjab’s industrial growth.”
Sharing his views, Hero Enterprise Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal said, “The Punjab Government is making serious efforts to bring Punjab back on the industrial track. Punjab was once a leading state economically in the country and now strong efforts are being made to transform it again through industrial development, progressive agriculture and focus on technology, education, healthcare and real estate. This event will go a long way in translating an industrial revolution in Punjab with industry-friendly policies.”
He further added, “Today India and Indians enjoy a reputation globally like never before and we must take full advantage of this opportunity to build momentum and accelerate growth. It is important to maintain this pace to take Punjab among the leading states of the country, because many sectors depend on each other for development. I also appreciate CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for introducing several path-breaking initiatives that are accelerating the economic growth of Punjab.”
CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel Limited T. V. Narendran said, “I compliment the Punjab Government, especially CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, for turning the Tata project in Ludhiana into a reality which is now in the advanced stage of inauguration. We have had an outstanding experience in Punjab. Our project was approved two years ago and it has been smoothly executed due to the constant support and cooperation extended by the Punjab Government.”
He further said, “This plant will be among the latest facilities using energy-efficient technologies to produce greener and cleaner steel in the world. Tata is coming with this ₹3200 crore steel plant and this is just the beginning. Much more investment will follow in the coming time.”
Addressing the gathering, Rajya Sabha MP and Trident Group Chairman Rajinder Gupta said, “This is truly a new beginning for Punjab as the Punjab Government has introduced impressive policies for industry which are creating history. These new policies address the issues and concerns of industrial stakeholders, particularly youngsters, the environment and high-tech sectors.”
He also announced, “The Trident Group will invest ₹5000 crore in Punjab over the next two years and will create more than 10, 000 job opportunities in the textile sector including 5, 000 jobs for women.”
Rajinder Gupta further said, “The Punjab Government deserves appreciation for its sincere efforts to ensure a new dawn in the industrial sector. The day is not far when Punjab will once again be counted among the top ten states in total industrial growth. It is the right time for Punjab to further excel in this sector. The growth of Punjab in the industrial sector is unprecedented and unmatched.”
JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal also announced expansion plans and said, “I have deep Punjabi roots and I am proud to be associated with Punjab’s growth story. We will expand our Rajpura plant and invest ₹3000 crore to enhance capacity in the steel sector.”
He added, “Punjab has traditionally been known for agriculture but today it is emerging as a vibrant industrial hub due to the progressive and investor-friendly policies introduced by the Punjab Government under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. Entrepreneurship runs in the blood of Punjabis and they continue to make Punjab proud across every corner of the world. I also commend the Punjab Government for organising the Invest Punjab Summit and for its proactive initiatives which are positioning Punjab as one of India’s leading destinations for industry and growth.”