The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) has designated regional economic growth as its top priority for next year and selected the ‘5 Poles 3 Special Growth Engines’ industries to receive intensive support through the ‘5 Growth Packages’. Additionally, to create an AI transformation ecosystem in manufacturing, MOTIE plans to increase the number of AI factories nationwide to 500 by 2030 and establish 15 AI leading models and 13 AI demonstration industrial complexes.
On the 17th, MOTIE reported its 2026 work plan under the theme ‘Growth for Regions, Vitality for Enterprises’ at the Government Sejong Convention Center. MOTIE set three major policy directions for next year: regional-centric economic growth, advanced manufacturing AI transformation, and maximizing national interests with a new trade strategy. The ministry aims to focus its policy capabilities on contributing to regional economic growth.
MOTIE will provide comprehensive support to ensure that regions become the main drivers of economic growth and the central axis of industry. This includes selecting the ‘5 Poles 3 Special Growth Engines’ industries and fostering advanced industries in mega-regions connecting various areas. They will also promote the creation of RE100 industrial complexes equivalent to new cities. Furthermore, MOTIE plans to expand regulatory free zones to offer regulatory exceptions for urban driving of future cars and support talent supply through nine regional hub national universities.
To enhance the fundamental competitiveness of manufacturing, MOTIE will accelerate the convergence of manufacturing and AI (M.AX) and focus its policy capabilities on expanding next-generation manufacturing competitiveness. By the end of this year, 102 AI factories will have been distributed, with plans to increase this to 500 by 2030, including 100 next year. Additionally, 15 AI leading models for large, medium, and small enterprises will be developed and applied in the field.