Chandigarh-Finance Minister, Punjab, Sh.Harpal Singh Cheema in his address on the occasion of the ‘Investors Conclave’ organized here today by the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Invest Punjab and the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board, stated that the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands fully committed to transform the State into a hub of tourism with the buildings related to the Mughal, Sikh and British period forming a part of the rich cultural & historical heritage. In his address he further said that the Chief Minister is very keen to put Punjab firmly on the world tourism map and is taking personal interest in the matter.
Earlier, addressing the conclave, the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Anmol Gagan Maan said that the State Government is always open to preserve and develop the properties and assets of tourism sector. The Minister exhorted the investors to be partners in the growth of Punjab in the tourism sphere and further added that the State Government is also focusing on eco-tourism, adventure tourism, water tourism and wellness tourism as these areas have the potential to make Punjab a powerhouse in the tourism sector. The Minister assured the investors of full assistance in their collaboration with the State Government as the Invest Punjab is the platform where all the necessary clearances for setting up ventures in the State are provided under a single roof.
Listing the Ranjit Sagar lake as the flagship project of the State Government, the Tourism Minister said that the initiative would propel the tourism sector of the State to new heights. Citing the successful Tourism Summit held last year as the proof of State Government’s honest and dedicated approach towards boosting tourism sphere, the Minister disclosed that the investor and industry friendly policies have been put in place by the State Government.
A presentation was also showcased on the occasion focusing on the development of several heritage properties such as Darbar Hall and Gol Kothi in Kapurthala, Sangrur Kothi, Aam Khas Bagh, Sirhind, Pinkcassia Tourist Complex in Rupnagar, Kulara Island (Pathankot) with the assistance of potential investors.
The dignitaries present on the occasion included the Additional Chief Secretary (Industries & Commerce) Sh. Tejveer Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Sh. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sh.Ajoy Sharma, , MD, PIDB Sh. Diprava Lakra, IAS, CEO Invest Punjab Sh. DPS Kharbanda, Conservator Forest, Sh. Sanjeev Tiwari, Director Tourism & Cultural Affairs Smt. Neeru Katyal Gupta and AMD, PIDB Sh. Yashanjit Singh.