Bhagwant Mann seeks Korean partnerships in renewable energy, defence tech, food processing, and startups.
PUNJAB CHIEF MINISTER Bhagwant Mann on Monday intensified his investment outreach in South Korea, holding a series of high-level meetings with major Korean corporations and industry institutions and inviting them to participate in Punjab’s rapidly growing industrial and technology sectors. He also announced that Mohali will be developed on the lines of Pangyo Techno Valley, Korea’s famed innovation district.
The Chief Minister met senior leadership from Daewoo E&C, GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C), Nongshim, the Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA) and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), presenting Punjab as one of India’s most stable and forward-moving investment destinations.
Bhagwant Mann with Daewoo E&C officials during his South Korea investment outreach.
During his meeting with Daewoo E&C Chairman Jung Won Joo, Mann sought collaboration in renewable energy, including offshore wind systems, solar power plants and hydrogen production. He said Punjab offers significant opportunities in large-scale infrastructure such as LNG terminals, petrochemical complexes, fertilizer plants, smart urban development and advanced civil infrastructure covering roads, bridges, ports, railways and airports.
Mann also highlighted Punjab’s interest in modern construction technologies, emphasising the need for knowledge transfer in modular and prefabricated construction to deliver faster and more economical projects across the state.
In discussions with GS E&C Vice President Young Ha Ryu, the Chief Minister reiterated Punjab’s focus on renewable energy, clean hydrogen, industrial EPC services and the establishment of advanced industrial complexes. He said the state government is committed to supporting Korean companies that wish to explore long-term investments in infrastructure expansion and modernisation.
Meeting senior officials of Nongshim Holdings, Korea’s leading packaged foods company, Mann urged the firm to consider co-developing new instant noodle flavours for the Indian market and expanding its presence across retail and e-commerce platforms.
He said Punjab is ideally positioned to become a hub for food processing, innovation in plant-based and health-oriented foods and research linked to global food trends. He added that the state could offer strong partnerships with local suppliers for eco-friendly packaging and value-added production.
At a strategic meeting with KDIA Vice Chairman Lee Sung Kyu, the Chief Minister pushed for closer cooperation in defence manufacturing, robotics, AI-driven systems, unmanned platforms and cybersecurity technologies. He said Punjab was keen to build a new defence-tech ecosystem and that joint programmes for skill development and training would strengthen engineering capacities and industrial expertise in the state.
Engaging with Seoul Business Agency’s Startup Division Director Jong Woo Kim, Mann discussed possibilities for collaboration in startup incubation, accelerator programmes, global marketing support and exchange of innovation ecosystem models. He said Punjab’s young entrepreneurial base stands to benefit from Korean mentorship, branding initiatives such as the Seoul Awards and deeper inclusion in global value chains.
The Chief Minister also addressed a Korea–Punjab Roundtable on Ease of Doing Business, attended by leading institutions including Bae, Kim & Lee LLC, Yulchon LLC, SK Securities, KITA, KOTRA, the Korea Association of Robot Industry, the Korea Auto Parts Industry Cooperative, Yuanta Securities and NH Investment & Securities.
Chief Minister hands over Punjab’s investment invite to Korean industry representatives in Seoul.
Mann showcased Punjab’s unified regulatory system under Invest Punjab, its streamlined approval processes and rapid infrastructure upgrades. He invited Korean investors to engage with the state in the run-up to the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026.
A key highlight of Mann’s visit was his tour of Pangyo Techno Valley, often described as the Silicon Valley of Korea. Officials from the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator briefed him on Pangyo’s integrated model combining deep-tech research, startup acceleration and high-value innovation networks.
With more than 1,780 companies, 83,000 professionals and 25,000 researchers, Pangyo represents one of Asia’s most successful innovation districts. Mann said the Pangyo experience provided a clear blueprint for Mohali’s transformation into a future-ready technology and research hub.
The Chief Minister said Punjab’s engagements in Seoul reaffirm the state’s intent to build long-term partnerships with Korean industry across manufacturing, food processing, technology, defence and research. He noted that the roadshow marks a significant milestone ahead of the Investors’ Summit in 2026, where Punjab plans to showcase its expanding economic potential to global investors.
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Ekjot Singh
Special Correspondent covering governance, public policy, and development for Punjab Today.
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