*CM HOLDS PARLEY WITH SOUTH KOREAN BUSSINESS GIANTS*

*CONTINUES HIS OUTREACH PROGRAM IN SOUTH KOREA*

*ANNOUNCES TO DEVELOP MOHALI ON LINES OF PANGYO TECHNO VALLEY*

*BATS FOR STRATEGIC TIE UP IN KEY SECTORS*

*SHOWCASES PUNJAB AS MOST PREFERRED DESTINATION IN ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE*

Chandigarh, December 8:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday extended invitation to the leading Koran firms like Daewoo E&C, GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C), Nongshim, Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA), Seoul Business Agency (SBA) and others to invest in the state.

During meeting with Chairman of Daewoo E&C Jung Won Joo during his visit to South Korea, the Chief Minister batted for cooperation in the fields of Renewable energy projects including offshore wind farms, solar power plants and hydrogen production facilities. Likewise, he said that there was a huge potential of collaboration in the areas like development of energy infrastructure such as LNG terminals, petrochemical complexes and fertilizer plants, Urban development and smart city projects with integrated housing and advanced infrastructure solutions and civil infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, railways, ports and airports. Bhagwant Singh Mann also underscored the need for strengthening cooperation in sectors like technology transfer for modular and prefabricated construction methods to enable faster and cost-effective building solutions.

During strategic meeting with Daewoo E&C, one of South Korea’s foremost engineering and infrastructure companies, the Chief Minister highlighted Punjab’s strong industrial momentum, modern infrastructure initiatives, and the unique Unified Regulator framework under Invest Punjab. He encouraged the Global Business Group, to explore opportunities in large-scale infrastructure development, adoption of modern construction technologies, and upcoming industrial townships in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann also laid stress on cooperation in ESG and green hydrogen initiatives through joint ventures aligned with global sustainability standards.

In another meeting with Vice President of GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C) Young Ha Ryu (Daniel), the Chief Minister underscored the need for tie up in sector of Renewable Energy Projects (solar, wind, hydrogen), Infrastructure Development (roads, bridges, smart cities) and Industrial Complexes and EPC Services. He also said that there was a huge scope in the key sectors like Technology Transfer for Modular Construction and Green Hydrogen and Clean Energy Initiatives. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation in these key sectors to give impetus to the development of the state.

In a meeting with Nongshim Holdings, a leading Packaged Foods and Beverages company, the Chief Minister batted for Food and Food processing adding that Joint development of new instant noodle flavors tailored for Indian tastes should be done. Likewise, he also batted for expansion of Nongshim’s presence in Indian supermarkets and e-commerce platforms and collaborating on campaigns targeting health-conscious and youth segments. Bhagwant Singh Mann also advocated tie up with local suppliers for eco-friendly packaging solutions and partnering on research for longevity foods and plant-based alternatives.

During parleys with Vice Chairman Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA) Lee Sung kyu, the Chief Minister batted for exploring opportunities for collaboration in defense manufacturing and technology transfer to strengthen industrial capabilities. He also batted for collaboration in Cybersecurity and advanced defense technologies such as AI, robotics, and unmanned systems for knowledge exchange and cooperation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab and Korea can consider joint efforts in skill development and training programs to enhance workforce expertise in defense engineering and production.

In a meeting with Director, Startup Division Seoul Business Agency (SBA) Jong Woo Kim, the Chief Minister said that there was a huge scope for collaboration in startup incubation and acceleration programs offered by SBA. He also discussed SBA’s global marketing and export support initiatives to help Punjab-based startups access international markets adding that knowledge exchange on innovation ecosystems and best practices for fostering entrepreneurship is the need of hour. Bhagwant Singh Mann also underscored need for exploring cooperation in branding and certification programs like Seoul Awards to enhance product credibility for Punjab enterprises.

Meanwhile, during Roundtable meeting on ease of doing business in Punjab, the Chief Minister held deliberations with key Korean companies Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (BKL), Yulchon LLC, Buddtree Management Group, SK Securities, Kim & Chang, Shin & Kim, Lee & Ko, Dentons Lee, Korea International Trade Organization (KITA), Korea Association of Robot Industry (KAR), Korea Trade Investment Promotion Association (KOTRA), Korea Auto Parts Industry Cooperative (KAP), Yuanta Securities, Capstone Asset Management, NH Investment & Securities Co., Ltd, Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) and others. During the meeting, he showcased Punjab as the most preferred investment destinations and apprised them about the key reforms introduced by the state government. Bhagwant Singh Mann also solicited the views of the leading companies to further streamline this mechanism to give boost to industrial development.

The Chief Minister also visited Pangyo Techno Valley, widely known as the “Silicon Valley of Korea,” to study one of Asia’s most advanced innovation ecosystems. Officials from the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) briefed the Chief Minister on Pangyo’s integrated model for nurturing deep-tech innovation, startups, and high-value research. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening to learn that with over 1,780 companies, 83,000 professionals, and 25,000 researchers, Pangyo represents a globally successful innovation district.

The Chief Minister noted the effectiveness of Pangyo’s structured accelerator programmes, specialised testbeds, and performance-driven evaluation mechanisms. He said that similar approaches can be adapted in Mohali to strengthen Punjab’s startup ecosystem, R&D capabilities, and high-skilled employment generation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of hour to give further fillip to the comprehensive development of Mohali.

The Chief Minister said that through these extensive engagements, Punjab government reinforced its commitment to welcome Korean companies, promoting innovation-led industrial development, and building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. He said that there is a huge scope for collaboration in varied sectors like manufacturing, technology, food processing, and research. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Seoul roadshow marks an important milestone ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, where global investors will be invited to explore Punjab’s rapidly expanding economic and industrial opportunities.

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TRI-SERVICES MILITARY HERITAGE DISPLAY COMPLETED AT MRSAFPI WITH INAUGURATION OF INS KOCHI MODEL

*— VICE CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF, VICE ADMIRAL SANJAY VATSAYAN, INAUGURATES SCALED-DOWN MODEL OF STEALTH GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER INS KOCHI AT MRSAFPI*

*— EXPOSURE TO REAL-LIFE MILITARY EQUIPMENT WILL HELP CADETS DEVELOP LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS: AMAN ARORA*

Chandigarh, December 8:In a landmark event completing a tri-services military display, a scaled-down model of the Indian Navy's premier Kolkata-Class Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kochi (D64), was inaugurated at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI). The model, presented by the Indian Navy on Navy Day 2025, was unveiled by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, AVSM, NM, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.

With the installation of this ship model, the MRSAFPI campus now hosts major equipment representations from all three armed services, creating a comprehensive environment to inspire its young cadets. The Institute has a proud record of 22 of its ex-cadets serving as commissioned officers in the Indian Navy, including two from the most recent Passing Out Parade at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.

Addressing the cadets of MRSAFPI and students of Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan highlighted the maritime legacy of Punjab, inspiring the youth from the landlocked state by citing examples like former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh. He elaborated on the Indian Navy's critical role in national defence, safeguarding maritime interests, and projecting India's stature globally.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the interaction with Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan and the exposure to real-life military equipment will help cadets develop essential skills, such as leadership, teamwork and problem-solving. The event would instil a sense of discipline, patriotism and service among the cadets, preparing them for challenging careers in the defence services and beyond. He reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to support the State’s youth who aspire to join Armed Forces by ensuring they receive the necessary resources and opportunities to fulfill their dreams.

Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM (Retd), Director of MRSAFPI, expressed profound gratitude to the Vice Chief of Naval Staff for the generous gift. He affirmed the Institute's commitment to nurturing more officers for the Indian Navy who would bring honour to the nation, the state, and the Indian Navy.

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Forest Department carries out over 12 Lakh plantations to expand forest & tree cover in State

Chandigarh, December 8:With a view to give impetus to the conservation, development and enhancement of existing forest & tree cover in the State under Greening Punjab Mission, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department led by the Minister in charge Lal Chand Kataruchak, is sparing no efforts. The department has carried out plantation of saplings under various schemes throughout the State as part of its endeavour to expand green cover in Punjab.

As many as 12,55,700 saplings have been planted under multiple novel initiatives. These include 3,31,000 saplings planted under urban forestry including plantation on institutional land and under Agro Forestry (Single row plantations in farmers fields adjoining link roads), 2,50,000 Poplar/Drek and 3,00,000 Eucalyptus trees. Furthermore, 20,800 plantations have been carried out as part of developing Pavittar Van with barbed wire as well as developing Nanak Bagichis with barbed wire. Besides, 46,500 saplings stand planted at industrial undertakings while the Schools have seen plantations up to 1,44,500. Apart from this, 1,62,900 Tall Plants have also been planted.

The objective of the plantations is the creation of green cover by planting maximum possible number of saplings on all available lands in the State, To raise nurseries, Generating awareness among the public regarding the initiatives of State Government to increase forest cover,, Making necessary arrangements for protection of plantations, Setting Up and maintenance of forest awareness parks in State & carrying out Forestry research as well as training activities.