Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday addressed the media and revealed what he achieved during his visit to Japan and South Korea. CM Mann addressed a long press conference as he returned to Punjab after a successful Japan and South Korea visit.
One of the major announcements Punjab CM made is when he said that Mohali will become India's next silicon valley after Bengaluru. The Chief Minister further said that plethora of Japanese companies have shown interest to attend Invest Punjab Summit 2026 slated to take place on March 13-,14 and 15 next year.
Continue reading below to know CM Mann's key announcements today-
CM Mann along with his team went on a meeting spree in Tokyo on December 2, 2025.
The first meeting of CM Mann was held with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). He met Mr. Ogawa Kazunori, Senior Managing Director of the firm.
CM Mann held detailed discussions with JBIC, the Japanese agency that provides loans to Japanese companies investing abroad. As per CM Mann, JBIC officials said they would- Support Punjab's clean energy proposals, Initiate technical discussions on potential financial avenues, Recommend Japanese companies for Punjab’s investment plans, and actively participate in the India–Japan Business Summit to be held on March 13–15 at ISB Mohali.
JBIC also mentioned its tie-up with IndusInd Bank in India, which could aid future collaboration.
The second meeting of CM Mann was held with Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. He met Mr. Tanaka Hiroki (Global Strategy Manager), Ms. Suzuki Mari (Product Planning Group).
Yamaha, which currently has a partnership with Hero in India, discussed expanding future opportunities like- Yamaha announced plans to establish an EV-focused R&D Centre in Mohali, the company will set up a new office in Mohali, creating thousands of jobs, and Yamaha will showcase its full ecosystem at Invest Punjab Summit 2026.
The third meeting of CM Mann was held with Honda Motor Co. Ltd. & JICA.
CM Mann met officials of Honda- Mr. Tatsuya Nakamura, and Mr. Kiyoshi Ito. AI JICA, CM Mann met Mr. Yamada Tetsuya, Director General, South Asia Department.
Honda informed CM Mann that it is exploring component manufacturing in Punjab through Indian partners. Honda also confirmed participation in Invest Punjab Summit 2026.
Punjab Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) KAP Sinha shared major updates regarding JICA- JICA has approved Punjab’s horticulture project proposal, DPR is to be submitted for final clearance, the project will support Abohar and Fazilka horticulture clusters. JICA’s low-interest financing will boost diversification.
CM Mann said JICA also expressed willingness to collaborate in- Urban infrastructure, Water management, Skill development, Agriculture modernization and crop diversification. Mann added that this cooperation will help increase farmers’ income.
CM Mann also met Toray Industries Inc. He met Mr. Hajine Ishii, Senior Vice President.
CM Mann informed the media that Toray is a global leader in technical textiles, data science, aerospace, and automotive materials. It also expressed strong interest in entering North India.
CM Mann said that Toray is planning a major presence in Mohali, after operating in Bengaluru and Chennai. The company has identified land five minutes from the Mohali Airport.
CM Mann further stated that their entry indicates Mohali’s emergence as “India’s next Silicon Valley”.
CM Mann and his team also held a meeting with Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). He met Parliamentary Vice Minister Mr. Komori
METI assured CM Mann that the ministry will encourage and support more Japanese companies to invest in Punjab, especially in manufacturing and technology sectors.
The sixth meeting was held with Fugisto Ltd. CM Mann met Mr. Jungo Okai, Head of Technology.
For the unversed, Fugisto is known for imaging technologies and camera film components, expressed strong interest in Punjab’s upcoming IT–ESDM ecosystem in Mohali. It will also gave a presentation during Invest Punjab Summit 2026.