Punjab Government to Establish Three World-Class Exhibition Centers
In a significant move to boost industrial and commercial growth, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Saturday that his government will establish three world-class exhibition centers across the state. The centers will be located in Ludhiana, New Chandigarh (Mohali), and Amritsar, designed to provide a robust platform for showcasing products and enhancing economic activity.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps for Industry
Speaking at the ongoing Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit, Mann highlighted the current lack of large exhibition facilities in Punjab, which has hindered the industry's ability to display its products effectively. "Punjab does not have big exhibition centers, due to which the industry does not have a proper place to showcase its products," he stated. To bridge this gap, the government is moving forward with plans to develop these centers, modeled after Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
"This summit has transformed into a well-managed platform where investors are sharing ideas and exploring opportunities in a big way. This will benefit both Punjab and the investors as we collectively work towards strengthening the state's economy," Mann added, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event.
Vision for Economic Transformation and Export Growth
Mann outlined a bold vision to position Punjab as a global export hub, leveraging its existing strengths in agriculture, engineering goods, textiles, auto components, and pharmaceuticals. "Punjab is the land of revolution, and Punjabis adopt new ideas quickly. That is why Punjabis excelled in every sphere across the world," he remarked. The state currently exports goods worth over USD 7 billion and is home to more than 14 lakh MSMEs, which play a crucial role in employment and industrial growth.
The Chief Minister stressed that the government is preparing Punjab for the next 50 years of economic development, with a clear focus on transforming it into a major export hub in north India. "We invite industry leaders, exporters, and logistics companies to partner with Punjab in expanding our global footprint," he said, calling for increased investment and collaboration.
Diversifying Agriculture and Promoting Value Addition
During the summit, Mann also addressed the need for agricultural diversification to break the traditional wheat-paddy cycle. He pointed out that while farmers are eager to move beyond this cycle, the lack of viable alternatives poses a challenge. "Farmers in Punjab want to move beyond the wheat-paddy cycle, but the challenge is the lack of viable alternatives. Food processing offers a practical solution," he explained.
He cited the success of the Kissan Ketchup plant in Nabha as a prime example of how agriculture and industry can synergize. Initially, tomatoes were imported from Maharashtra, but now nearly 60% are sourced locally from Punjab, demonstrating the potential for value-added agricultural products.
Focus on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
In line with long-term development goals, Mann highlighted Punjab's commitment to clean and reliable energy. "Punjab is steadily moving towards clean and reliable energy as part of our long-term development strategy. Renewable energy will play a key role in meeting growing industrial demand, agricultural needs, and emerging sectors such as electric mobility," he stated, underscoring the state's focus on sustainability.
The announcement of the exhibition centers marks a pivotal step in Punjab's economic strategy, aiming to foster innovation, attract investment, and drive export-led growth. With all 30 sessions at the summit fully attended, the strong interest from the business community signals optimism for Punjab's future as a dynamic economic player.
