Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said his recent visit to the Netherlands and Finland has opened new opportunities for farmers, industry and youth, asserting that the state has secured global partnerships in agriculture, innovation and investment. Presenting a report card of the visit in Chandigarh, Mann said these collaborations will directly benefit the state’s economy and accelerate its transformation.
Speaking on a ₹1,300 crore JICA-backed investment and growing interest from global firms, Mann said the agreements will boost crop diversification and position Punjab as a hub for high-value farming, research and development. He said, “On day one the Ambassador of India to Netherlands welcomed the delegation adding that the delegation had visited the world-renowned horticulture model Keukenhof, where 40,000 visitors come daily, and interacted with representatives of this place.”
The CM said the visit focused on exploring partnerships in agriculture and horticulture, including export potential for roses from Punjab. “The visit was aimed at exploring partnership opportunities in the agriculture sector and discussed collaboration for the development of horticulture adding that the possibility of exporting rose from Punjab was explored,” he said, adding that the ₹1,300 crore investment would play a key role in promoting crop diversification.
He said an investment roadshow was held to attract foreign investment in sectors such as semiconductors, electronics and innovation. The visit also resulted in proposals for an R&D centre and innovation hub in Mohali, along with plans for a horticulture experience and training centre in Punjab.
Mann said global companies have shown strong interest in investing in the state, which would open avenues for technology transfer, start-ups and research collaborations. “It will also promote crop diversification and high-tech farming thereby strengthening Punjab’s image as a global, innovation-driven, and investor-friendly state,” he said.
