The Karo Regency Government has taken a strategic step to modernize the local agricultural sector by exploring international cooperation. The Regent of Karo, Retired Police Brigadier General Dr. dr. Antonius Ginting, Sp.OG., M.Kes., met with the Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Medan, Mr. Song Jianming, to discuss the integration of modern agricultural technology in the Karo region.
During the meeting held in Medan on Thursday (7/16/2026), Antonius outlined Karo's great potential as one of the primary horticultural hubs in North Sumatra. Key commodities such as vegetables, fruits, and food crops are deemed to require digital technology and mechanization to achieve higher competitiveness in the global market.
The proposed cooperation covers several vital aspects, ranging from the provision of smart irrigation systems, digitization of agricultural supply chains and marketing, to knowledge transfer through intensive training for local farmers. This move is expected to sustainably optimize land productivity.
In addition to the technology agenda, the Regent of Karo used the meeting to invite the Chinese Consulate General to attend the Karo Flower and Fruit Festival, scheduled to take place in Berastagi from July 30 to August 1, 2026. This annual event serves as a major window to introduce Karo's tourism, culture, and agricultural produce potential to the world.
In response to this initiative, Mr. Song Jianming welcomed the collaboration offer and expressed his commitment to following up on the plan to build a concrete partnership. This synergy is expected to accelerate economic growth in Karo Regency through the integration of modern agriculture and tourism sectors.
