South Korea to Leverage ODA for AI Chipmakers' International Expansion

The South Korean government is reviewing a plan to utilize concessional ODA to facilitate the overseas expansion of domestic AI chipmakers. Under this initiative, bidding for AI data center projects in developing countries would be limited to Korean companies, including key players like SK telecom, KT, and Samsung SDS.

The projects would be financed through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), managed by the Export-Import Bank of Korea, with a focus on using Korean-made equipment, particularly neural processing units (NPUs). This strategy aims to bolster companies such as Rebellions and FuriosaAI, which have already received substantial investments totaling 700 billion won ($491 million) via policy funds. By establishing overseas sales channels, the government seeks to enhance the global presence of the domestic AI chip industry.