The North Sumatra Provincial Government is ready to host the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle 2026 series of events in Medan, North Sumatra, this coming September.
"North Sumatra has been designated by the Indonesian government as the location for the 32nd IMT-GT 2026 ministerial meeting in the Southeast Asia region," said Ahmad Yamin, Head of Cooperation at the Bureau of Government and Regional Autonomy of the North Sumatra Provincial Secretariat, during a press conference at the North Sumatra Governor's Office.
This, he continued, follows the appointment of Indonesia as host of the 2026 IMT-GT, which was the result of a decision at the 31st IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting in Trang.
According to him, the sub-regional economic cooperation meetings have had a real impact on economic development in the regional area.
Some of these include the development of the Sei Mangkei Industrial Area in Simalungun Regency, and the Toba Caldera area which includes Lake Toba and its surroundings.
"The appointment of North Sumatra as host is a great opportunity to present various ideas and strategic projects that can be included in the IMT-GT blueprint for the next five years," Yamin explained.
He said that this subregional economic cooperation forum involving Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand within the ASEAN framework should not be missed.
"This momentum should not be missed, as it presents an opportunity to strengthen North Sumatra's competitiveness at the international level," Yamin said.
He also explained that the IMT-GT forum discussed various priority programs through eight working groups, which were then formulated into a five-year regional economic development blueprint.
Some of the sectors that were the focus of discussion included agriculture and agribusiness, tourism, halal products and services, and infrastructure and transportation.
All project proposals must have a common interest relationship between Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, thus creating mutually beneficial benefits.
"Proposed project ideas must have mutually beneficial value. They should not only benefit North Sumatra or Indonesia, but also benefit Malaysia and Thailand, creating mutually reinforcing cooperation," Yamin said.
He also hopes that North Sumatra's role as host of this year's IMT-GT can be optimally utilized to expand investment and strengthen the region's leading sectors.
"Then, encourage the birth of various strategic projects that support sustainable regional economic growth," explained Yamin.
