A high level delegation from Punjab led by Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal has pushed the investment agenda through high-level meetings with Global industry leaders participating in World Economic Forum at Davos. Notably, the Additional Chief Secretary Industries and Commerce Vini Mahajan and CEO Invest Punjab Rajat Agarwal were also a part of Punjab Government’s delegation.On third day, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal spoke at multiple sessions on Global issues. He also participated two panel discussions on mobility. As part of session on “Building a Clean Mobility Future”, Badal called upon requirement for collaboration across multiple industries and value chains to secure clean environment for future generations. As part of the session on “Global Road Safety Initiative and Road Safety Partnership for India”, he explained the correlation between economic condition and road accidents by citing the fact that 90% of road accidents happen in countries with low income levels.Punjab delegation met several business leaders at sidelines of events. Business leaders were apprised about conducive business environment in Punjab and investment opportunities that exist across IT, automobiles including e-vehicles, renewable energy and food processing sectors.The delegation had fruitful meetings with Global Business leaders including Chris Johnson from Nestle (Executive VP &CEO Zone Asia, Oceania and Sub Saharan Africa), Dirk Delmartino from Naspers (VP Corporate Affairs and Public Policy), Nishant Arya from JBM Group (Executive Director) and Bhawin Shah (Strategy) & Nitin Mittal (VP- Corporate Finance) from Avaada.
Nestle has strong existing presence in Punjab. Nestle forayed into India in 1961 with manufacturing facility at Moga (Punjab). Meeting with Nestle focused on expansion plans and new opportunities around raw material procurement, dip production plant and manufacturing facility related to pet food segment across the State.To promote the inherent strength which Punjab offers in mobility and clean energy sector, the delegation met JBM group and Avaada. Discussions with JBM were focused around policy initiatives to provide best ecosystem to e-vehicle and auto component manufacturers across the State. Nishant Arya was also apprised of investment opportunities in Ludhiana and other parts of the Punjab. Considering Avaada has expertise in executing complex Solar &Wind projects, opportunities to collaborate in new and ongoing renewable energy projects was discussed.Naspers is one of the leading technology investors across the Globe. Brainstorming session with Mr. Dirk was focused on Information technology ecosystem in the State and investment opportunities in upcoming IT City Mohali.Over the last two remaining days of WEF, the Punjab delegation shall continue to leverage the WEF platform to engage in one-on-one meetings with global business leaders and shall also be sharing its views and thoughts on topics of worldwide relevance.