Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan: "Building National Growth Platform Through 3 Mega Projects"

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan announced that he will establish a national growth platform by connecting three mega projects: semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, and physical AI.

Minister Kim made the remarks today (Nov. 2) during his keynote speech at an open forum hosted by the National Economic Advisory Council titled "Three Mega Projects: Tasks to Become a National Growth Platform," held at Ferrum Tower in Seoul.

He emphasized, "The investment plan totaling 1,600 trillion won is an overwhelming scale equivalent to about 60% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the year the project begins," adding, "Now, when the AI revolution has placed all nations on a new starting line, is a decisive opportunity to lead the future global industry."

In particular, he stated that the government would swiftly pursue the fast-track processing of permits and the enactment of a special act on mega-regional special zones to ensure private investment plans are executed without a hitch, thereby advancing the start of operations for semiconductor fabs (fabrication plants) by more than two years.

As a core strategy, he proposed establishing a national growth platform that links semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI.

Under this structure, semiconductors provide AI computing power, AI data centers support AI training and utilization, and physical AI applies them to manufacturing sites to dramatically boost productivity.

The plan envisions creating a virtuous cycle ecosystem where these three pillars interlock to drive manufacturing innovation across all industries, leading in turn to further investments in future technologies.

To back this initiative, Minister Kim presented the "M·E·G·A" strategy comprising four action plans: Mobilize national capabilities, Engage all economic entities, Generate new growth engines, and Amplify outcomes.

Minister Kim said, "We will create a virtuous cycle in which mega projects lead to mega growth."

Following the opening address by Kim Sung-sik, vice chairman of the National Economic Advisory Council, and Minister Kim's keynote speech, the forum proceeded with presentations and discussions by seven experts in related fields.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.