
KOTRA, South Korea’s trade and investment promotion agency, has set up an internal AI Committee to spearhead its artificial intelligence initiatives and infrastructure as a central control tower. The move aligns with the government’s goal of making Korea one of the world’s top three AI powers.
The committee, officially launching on July 21, will be chaired by KOTRA President Kang Kyung-sung. To strengthen expertise in strategy and execution, KOTRA has appointed leading AI scholars Jang Byung-tak of Seoul National University and Yoon Jong-young of Kookmin University as external members.
At its inaugural meeting, the AI Committee will unveil a vision to establish KOTRA as a “leading institution in AI-driven trade and investment transformation.” The committee plans to focus on three main strategies with 11 specific tasks: upgrading AI-powered export support systems, globalizing Korea’s AI ecosystem, and expanding AI use within KOTRA’s operations.
Plans include introducing an AI “export assistant,” developing AI-based digital trade programs, and enhancing digital infrastructure. The agency also aims to support Korean companies expanding overseas and improving the global competitiveness of Korea’s AI industry by promoting flagship innovation projects and helping attract foreign investment and talent.
To secure global AI talent, KOTRA will expand its Overseas Talent Recruitment Centers to cover the AI sector and proactively recruit skilled professionals from the U.S., Europe, and India.
“Major transitions like the AI revolution create more opportunities,” Kang said, adding that KOTRA will accelerate Korea’s path to becoming a top-three AI nation while supporting the national ecosystem and reaching the $1 trillion export milestone.