CICU Hosts “Rising Punjab Summit 2026” with Industry Leaders, Focuses on Empowering Futures and Strengthening Punjab

Ludhiana, April 17, 2026: The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), in collaboration with its Young Business Leaders Forum (YBLF), successfully organized the much-anticipated “Rising Punjab Summit 2026” at Hotel Park Plaza, Ludhiana. The summit brought together prominent industrialists, policymakers, academicians, and emerging entrepreneurs on a single platform to deliberate on strategies aimed at strengthening Punjab’s industrial ecosystem and fostering sustainable economic growth. Held under the theme “Empowering Futures – Strengthening Punjab,” the summit witnessed enthusiastic participation from stakeholders across multiple sectors, reaffirming CICU’s role as a catalyst for industrial development in the region. Sh. Honey Sethi, General Secretary of CICU, along with Sh. Nikhil Dhand, presented a detailed overview of CICU’s initiatives, activities, and key achievements contributing to the growth and support of industries across the state.
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers including D. W. Augustine (Chief, Ludhiana Project, Tata Steel Ltd.), Upkar Singh Ahuja (CMD, New Swan Group & President, CICU), Dr. D. P. Goyal (Director, LM Thapar School of Management), Ambrish Jain (Managing Director, KGOC Group), and Rahul Ahuja (Managing Director, Rajnish Industries Pvt. Ltd.). The session was expertly moderated by Pushpinder Singh Dhaba (Director, Think Craft Consulting LLP), ensuring a dynamic and insightful exchange of ideas.
The summit was also graced by Karan Avtar (IAS), Former Chief Secretary, Punjab, as the Guest of Honour, who shared valuable insights into governance, policy frameworks, and the critical role of industry-government collaboration in driving Punjab’s growth trajectory. During his address, Upkar Singh Ahuja, President of CICU, emphasized the need for a progressive industrial policy, improved ease of doing business, and stronger support for MSMEs. He highlighted that Punjab holds immense potential to reclaim its position as a leading industrial hub, provided there is a collective effort from industry bodies, government agencies, and entrepreneurs.
Panel discussions at the summit revolved around key themes such as industrial competitiveness, innovation, skill development, export challenges, and digital transformation. Experts shared practical perspectives on tackling rising input costs, enhancing global market access, and leveraging technology to boost productivity and efficiency. A key highlight of the summit was the focus on youth leadership and entrepreneurship, where YBLF members showcased their vision for the future. The forum reiterated its commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders and promoting a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Participants appreciated CICU’s initiative in organizing such a forward-looking platform that not only addressed current challenges but also laid out a roadmap for long-term industrial growth. The interactive format of the summit allowed attendees to engage directly with panelists, making the discussions highly impactful and solution-oriented. CICU also reaffirmed its commitment to continuously engaging with policymakers and industry stakeholders to advocate for reforms that benefit the business community. The chamber emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, policy stability, and financial support mechanisms to ensure sustained industrial expansion in Punjab. The event concluded on a positive note, with a shared resolve among participants to work collectively towards building a stronger, more resilient, and globally competitive Punjab.
With initiatives like the Rising Punjab Summit 2026, CICU continues to demonstrate its leadership in shaping the future of industry and reinforcing Ludhiana’s identity as the “Manchester of India.”