Chandigarh, Jan 16: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann met with British Columbia Premier David Eby on Friday to outline a roadmap for expanded economic cooperation between Punjab and Canada. The discussion centered on aligning Punjab’s growing industrial sectors with British Columbia’s technological expertise, particularly in sustainable energy and food security.
During the high-level meeting, Chief Minister Mann noted that the state is an ideal destination for Canadian investors due to its robust infrastructure and English-proficient workforce. “Canada has always been a strong partner for India and Punjab,” the Chief Minister said, adding that he looks forward to strengthening this foundation through the “Invest Punjab” single-window system.
The Chief Minister specifically urged collaboration in agricultural modernization, pointing toward British Columbia’s advancements in greenhouse technologies and post-harvest systems. He mentioned that these areas perfectly match Punjab’s current goals for value-added food processing. Mann also extended a formal invitation for Canada to participate as a partner country in the “Progressive Punjab Investor Summit 2026,” scheduled for March 13-15 at Plaksha University in Mohali.
Premier David Eby expressed gratitude for the hospitality and noted the deep emotional connection between the two regions. “Punjab will always reside in the hearts of Punjabis living in British Columbia,” the Premier said, noting that both governments will now work to explore mutual exchanges in skill development and energy.
The Chief Minister further proposed that leading Canadian universities consider establishing campuses in Mohali, which he described as an emerging education and IT hub. He mentioned that the state is ready to provide all necessary investment-related facilities to ensure a seamless transition for Canadian service companies and global competence centers.
