IEP Chandigarh, September 13
Highlighting the salient features of Punjab’s industrial friendly policies, Punjab Investment Promotions Minister Anmol Gagan Mann today sought a special industrial package for Punjab.
Addressing the Board of Trade meeting held in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Ms. Mann said that being a border state, Punjab is facing hardships which will be mitigated by opening old land trade routes with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. She asserted that it is the need of the hour to open new and old trade routes to further bolster the country’s economy as this is convenient and affordable for all traders of the region. Besides, this will also provide much needed marketing opportunities swiftly for perishable goods. She apprised that Punjab is predominantly an agrarian economy with a large number of its populace dependent on agriculture and opening the land trade routes with neighbouring countries will immensely benefitted for our trade communities as well as farmers.
The Cabinet Minister also laid thrust on the need for solutions to remove pesticides residues in crops so that our crop of Basmati will dominate again in Europian and other markets. She also addressed various pertinent topics for Punjab like immediate approvals for the various proposals from Government of India. While extending red carpet welcome towards industrial honchos, Ms. Mann said that Punjab’s connectivity in terms of road, railways and airways, friendly labour relations with no domicile restrictions and uninterrupted power supply are conducive for entrepreneurs to set up their operations in Punjab. She said that the simplified single window systems of Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion and time-bound incentives have enabled the Punjab Government in creating a liberal and industry-friendly environment in the State. She said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government Punjab has today emerged as the most preferred destination for investment in the country.
Punjab Investment Promotion Minister emphasised on logistics support from Railways for Kinnow Growers if Fazilka. She demanded special train to transport these types of perishable goods. She exhorted to import special wax to preserve fruits and vegetables for long period.
Notably, this meeting was aimed to discuss ways to boost the country’s exports. The Board is an advisory body on the foreign trade policy.
