The Invest Korea Summit, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), concluded on October 31 in Seoul with a record $1.21 billion in investment commitments. The two-day event attracted more than 2,000 foreign investors and officials.

"The ROK is one of the most attractive destinations for global investors, and foreign investment has been a key driver of the country's industrial competitiveness," said Moon Shin-hak, vice minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources of the ROK in his opening remarks on Thursday. He added that despite global economic uncertainty, the country will continue to strengthening advanced industry competitiveness, diversify export markets and enhance foreign investment support systems to ensure the country remains a global business hub.

As the country's largest annual foreign investment fair, this year's summit was held in conjunction with the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, highlighting artificial intelligence (AI) in its main theme. 

"The advancement of AI and cutting-edge technologies is creating new industries and innovations, while supply chain realignment underscores the rising importance of strategic cooperation among nations," said Kim Tae-hyung, commissioner of the Invest Korea Summit, in his opening speech on Thursday.

The event spotlighted investment in the country's AI ecosystem, aligning with President Lee Jae-myung's goal of positioning the nation among the world's top three AI leaders, identifying AI as a key growth engine to strengthen the country's competitiveness in advanced sectors such as chips, biotech and autos.

"The Invest Korea Summit serves not only as a government-led investor relations platform but also as an ideal opportunity to advance the country's goal of becoming a top-three global AI powerhouse and promote regional growth and international investment cooperation," KOTRA CEO Kang Kyung-sung emphasized.

Seven companies – including Tokyo Electron, Mitsui Chemicals, Ocean Winds, Valeo and BASF – pledged an additional $550 million in sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, autonomous driving and high-value-added chemicals.

In addition, the event featured seminars on advanced industries such as semiconductors and biotechnology, including one-on-one pinpoint meetings connecting domestic startups with global investors and venture capital firms to expand opportunities for global investment.