Punjab CM Mann in Netherlands to boost investment, strengthen bilateral ties

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday embarked on an official visit to the Netherlands, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation and attract foreign investments across key sectors including food processing, logistics, alloys and steel, pharmaceuticals, and information technology .

According to officials, the visit is part of the state government’s broader push to position Punjab as a global investment hub . During his engagements, Mann is expected to hold meetings with Dutch government representatives, business leaders, and industry associations , pitching Punjab as a competitive destination for industrial expansion.

“This vision is simple and clear to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering policy stability, swift decision-making, and investor-friendly governance ,” Mann said in an official statement ahead of the visit.

The outreach assumes significance as the Netherlands ranks among the largest foreign direct investors (FDI) in India, with several Dutch firms already operating in Punjab. The Chief Minister is likely to explore new partnerships, joint ventures, and technology collaborations , particularly in agriculture and allied industries.

Punjab and the Netherlands already share growing economic ties. In October 2023, Mann laid the foundation stone of the De Heus animal nutrition and feed plant at Vividha Industrial Park in Rajpura, marking a major Dutch investment in the state. Additionally, the Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence for Potato in Punjab has emerged as a successful model of collaboration, helping farmers adopt advanced cultivation techniques and improve crop productivity.

During the visit, Mann will also highlight Punjab’s advantages, including its strategic location in North India, proximity to the National Capital Region (NCR), strong industrial clusters, robust infrastructure, uninterrupted power supply, and a skilled workforce.

Officials said the Chief Minister’s meetings will focus on securing long-term investments and technology transfers , with the goal of accelerating Punjab’s industrial growth and creating employment opportunities.