IATEA delegation plans agricultural investment in North Kalimantan

North Kalimantan Governor Zainal A. Paliwang received a visit from an International Agricultural Technology Exchange Association (IATEA) delegation from South Korea at the North Kalimantan Governor's Office on Dec. 17, 2025. The visit was held to discuss investment cooperation opportunities in the agriculture and fisheries sectors of North Kalimantan; including stevia production and processing, whole grain or wheat development, and seaweed processing.

In addition, the IATEA delegation also outlined potential collaboration in the application of superior agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and food manufacturing technologies developed in South Korea.

During the discussion, Zainal welcomed the delegation of investors from South Korea and expressed his appreciation for IATEA's interest in investing in North Kalimantan. He noted that the province has significant and strategic natural resource potential, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors which remain open for development through investment and technology transfer.

Zainal emphasized that the North Kalimantan Provincial Government is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and sustainable investment climate. He added that the provincial government is ready to provide support by facilitating the permit process and establishing cross-sector synergies to accelerate investment realization, which will have a direct impact on improving local community welfare.

Zainal also hopes that the collaboration will not only focus on the business, but also involve increasing the capacity of local human resources, creating employment, and developing environmentally friendly technologies in line with the principles of sustainable development in North Kalimantan.

Meanwhile, representatives from the IATEA delegation expressed their interest and commitment to exploring long-term investment opportunities in North Kalimantan. The delegation assessed that province has significant potential for developing agricultural and fishery commodities based on modern technology, while also serving as a strategic partner in supporting food security and the development of the food manufacturing sector.