Investment Climate in Punjab

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYKnown as the land of five rivers, Punjab is endowed with rich, fertile and productive agricultural land. This has beenthe bulwark of agricultural growth, making the state a leading food producer in the country as well as an attractivehub for the agro based industry. Historically, an agrarian economy, it is the entrepreneurial spirit of its people thattransformed Punjab into a state with a strong industry base, especially MSMEs. Today, Punjab is one of the mostprogressive states in the country, with a strong tradition of entrepreneurship and business acumen.Advantage Punjab:• Leading producer of foodgrains in the country, second largest contributor of wheat to the Central Pool• One of the country’s largest producers of cotton, blended yarn and mill-made fabrics• High propensity to consume, giving impetus to the retail sector. Cities of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsaremerging as key retail markets of north India• Well established export-base• Well-developed infrastructure, including a well-connected intra-transport system, and excellenttelecommunication set-up• Availability of a large talent pool• Enabling policy framework and facilitation mechanisms creating a favourable investment climate• Strong tradition of entrepreneurship• Thrust on knowledge-based industries such as IT/ITeS, biotechnology and traditionally strong manufacturingindustries such as textiles, agro-based and light engineering industries.