Punjab and United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday agreed for further tie up in agriculture, Information and Technology (IT), food processing, higher education, sports, public transport (Electric buses) and biomass sectors.A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann with British High Commissioner Alex Ellis, who called on the former here at his official residence on Thursday morning.During the meeting it was agreed that there is a huge potential of collaboration between Punjab and UK in these sectors. The Chief Minister said that hard working and resilient Punjabis have already made a mark in these sectors. However, he said that the advanced technology by UK will be helpful in further harnessing the hidden potential in these sectors.Extending a red carpet welcome to British Investors in the state, the Chief Minister said that the state government will ensure single window online clearances to all the desirous investors in the state.
He said that Punjab government will ensure that the investors will get smooth and hassle free mechanism to invest in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that he is already in touch with a large number of perspective investors from UK who are interested in investing the state.Flagging the issue of direct flight from Chandigarh to London Heathrow Airport, the Chief Minister said that it will facilitate the passengers from five states in general and that of Punjab in particular. He said that this flight will act as a window for Punjabis to western world. Bhagwant Mann said that a number of airlines are already in touch with him for starting their flights once it gets approval.
British High Commissioner assured the Chief Minister of all possible help in this regard. He said that UK is very keen in firming up investment with the state in these key sectors.Ellis also lauded the zero tolerance stance of Chief Minister against corruption and said that it will further help in boosting confidence of investors in the state.The High Commissioner of UK was accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner Chandigarh Caroline Rowett and Trade Commissioner South Asia Alan Gammell.On the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary to CM A. Venu Prasad, CEO Invest Punjab KK Yadav, Additional Principal Secretary to CM Himanshu Jain and others were also present.