CM Bhagwant Mann presented the report card of Netherlands-Finland tour, told where the investment of Rs 1300 crore was used.

New Delhi: Giving detailed information about his recent visit to Netherlands and Finland, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that through this visit, the state has achieved many important partnerships in the fields of agriculture, industry, education and innovation. He expressed hope that these agreements will bring concrete benefits to the farmers, youth and overall economy of Punjab.

Expectation of big investment and technical cooperation in agriculture sector 

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Dutch company Zaika is going to invest Rs 1300 crore in Punjab. Apart from this, possibilities of cooperation with world famous horticulture centers like Keukenhof and advanced agricultural technologies of Finland have been explored.

Bhagwant Mann said, “These partnerships will give a new impetus to crop diversification in Punjab. The focus will be on high value crops, better production and exports. We are working towards making Punjab a global hub of modern farming, research and innovation.”

Netherlands Tour: Horticulture and new avenues of investment 

Recently on 19th April the delegation first met the Ambassador of India to the Netherlands and then visited the world famous Keukenhof. Where more than 40,000 tourists come daily. There, horticulture development, rose cultivation and export possibilities were discussed in detail with local experts.

CM Mann told that in Netherlands, 6 kg tomatoes are produced in one square meter of open cultivation, whereas with polyhouse technology, up to 100 kg is produced there. There are plans to adopt such modern technologies in Punjab also.

On April 20, the delegation also interacted with members of the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and the local Punjabi community. An investment road show was also organised, in which the interest of foreign companies in semiconductor, electronics and innovation sectors was gauged.

Emphasis on vertical farming and modern agricultural model 

CM Bhagwant Mann said that Netherlands is famous all over the world for vertical farming. Plans are being made to replicate this model in Punjab also. Apart from this, it has been decided to set up a Research and Development Center and Horticulture Experience and Training Center in Mohali.

Industrial Investment: Positive signs from NXP and LT Foods 

On 21 April the delegation visited NXP Semiconductors and Aalsmeer Flower Auction. NXP Company has shown keen interest in the possibilities of setting up a Research and Development Center and investment in Punjab.

On the same day, talks were also held with LT Foods (Daawat Rice brand). The company has agreed to invest in Rajpura. This company exports rice to more than 80 countries of the world. Chief Minister Mann said that this investment will strengthen the economy of Punjab and help in increasing the income of farmers.

Hockey lover Bowlander’s invitation to visit Punjab 

During the visit, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met legendary Dutch hockey player Floris Jan Bovelander. Both discussed promotion of hockey and other sports in Punjab. Bowlander has been invited to visit Punjab.

He assured that he will soon come to Punjab and contribute in promoting hockey. The CM also informed that Punjab is going to host the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, which is a matter of pride for the state.

Finland visit: education and engagement with diaspora Punjabis 

On April 22, the delegation reached Finland, where frank talks were held with the people of the Punjabi community. Also met Indian Ambassador to Finland Hemant H. Kotalwad. CM said that there are five Punjabi players in the Finland hockey team, which is a proof of the sports talent of Punjab. The gold medal won by the hockey club was presented to the delegation as a symbol of love and respect.

Learning from Finland’s education system 

On April 23, the delegation studied Finland’s world-renowned education system. Raku University and its Early Childhood Education Center were visited. The Punjab government has already sent 216 primary teachers to Finland in three batches. The fourth batch of 72 teachers will leave on 18 May 2026. There were detailed discussions on teacher training, ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education), classroom management and child-centred education methodology.

Resolve to make Punjab a global investment destination 

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government is making continuous efforts towards making the state the most preferred investment destination in the world. After the positive results in the previous tours of Japan and Korea, now there are good prospects from Netherlands and Finland also.

The CM stressed that these partnerships will not only promote crop diversification and modern farming, but also create new employment opportunities for the youth and establish Punjab as an investor-friendly, innovation-led state. On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha and other senior officers were also present.