Punjab Woos Korea Inc: CM Mann pitches Mohali as India’s upcoming tech powerhouse
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 8, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday held a series of high-level meetings with top South Korean business conglomerates as part of his ongoing investment outreach mission.
The Chief Minister extended an open invitation to major Korean companies—including Daewoo E&C, GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C), Nongshim, Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA), and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA)—to invest in Punjab.
During the meeting with Daewoo E&C Chairman Jung Won Joo, the Chief Minister highlighted opportunities in renewable energy, including offshore wind farms, solar projects, and hydrogen production. He also emphasized collaboration in LNG terminals, petrochemical complexes, fertilizer plants, smart city development, and major civil infrastructure projects. Mann further sought technological cooperation in modular and prefabricated construction systems.
In talks with Daewoo E&C, Mann showcased Punjab’s industrial progress, modern infrastructure plans, and the Unified Regulator model under Invest Punjab. He encouraged partnerships in infrastructure development and green hydrogen initiatives aligned with global sustainability goals.
Meeting GS E&C Vice President Young Ha Ryu (Daniel), the Chief Minister discussed tie-ups in renewable energy, industrial complexes, and EPC services. He assured complete governmental support to foster these investments.
With Nongshim Holdings, a leading global food and beverage player, Mann advocated collaboration in food processing, India-focused product development, eco-friendly packaging, and expansion into Indian retail and digital marketplaces.
In discussions with KDIA Vice Chairman Lee Sung Kyu, Mann pushed for cooperation in defence manufacturing, cybersecurity, AI-driven defence technologies, robotics, and unmanned systems. He also proposed joint skill-development programs for workforce upskilling.
During his meeting with SBA Startup Division Director Jong Woo Kim, the Chief Minister explored collaboration in startup incubation, global marketing, export promotion, innovation exchange, and branding initiatives such as the Seoul Awards.
At a high-profile roundtable on ease of doing business, Mann interacted with top Korean companies including BKL, Buddtree Management Group, SK Securities, KITA, KAR, KOTRA, KAP, Yuanta Securities, Capstone Asset Management, and NH Investment & Securities. He projected Punjab as one of India’s most investor-friendly states and sought suggestions to further refine the business environment.
The Chief Minister also visited Pangyo Techno Valley—South Korea’s famed “Silicon Valley”—and studied its innovation ecosystem. Briefed by the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA), Mann said Mohali would be developed on similar lines to boost startups, R&D, deep-tech innovation, and high-skilled employment.
Mann said his meetings strengthened Punjab’s commitment to long-term partnerships in manufacturing, technology, food processing, and research. He added that the Seoul roadshow marks a significant milestone ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026.