AMCHAM Chairman James Kim: "Korea at a Turning Point... Regulatory Alignment Is Key to Shaping the Investment Environment"

Korea Business Environment Seminar Held
"Ample Potential to Lead the AI Era"
Need for Clear Standards in Data Utilization

James Kim, Chairman and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), stated, "Korea is currently at a crucial juncture of economic transformation, and AI and advanced industries will be the key drivers of future growth." He emphasized, "Aligning regulations with global standards and enhancing policy predictability are fundamental to creating a more competitive investment environment."

On the 21st, AMCHAM held its annual '8th Korea Business Environment Seminar 2026' at the Conrad Seoul Hotel, discussing policy and industry directions to accelerate the transition to an AI-based economy and to strengthen the attraction of advanced technology investment.

This year's seminar featured a special session titled 'Freedom 250' to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, under the theme 'Korea's Next Growth Engine: Transition to an AI-Based Economy.' Government officials from Korea and the United States, global enterprises, and policy experts attended, engaging in discussions on improving Korea's regulatory framework, investment climate, and market access in line with global standards.

James Kim, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), is delivering a welcome speech at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea invitation meeting held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News.

On this day, Chairman Kim remarked, "AMCHAM has consistently highlighted that Korea has significant potential to become a hub for regional headquarters (RHQ) of global companies in Asia." He added, "During a meeting with President Lee Jaemyung earlier this year, we discussed the need to increase Korea's regional headquarters base from the current level of about 100 to 1,000 in the long term, as well as directions to strengthen competitiveness as a global business hub."

He stressed that improving the regulatory environment is paramount to realizing this vision. "AMCHAM will closely collaborate with the Korean government to bridge regulatory gaps and proactively support the creation of a more transparent, predictable, and globally aligned business environment," he added.

During the seminar, Korean and U.S. government officials delivered congratulatory remarks, reaffirming the importance of Korea-U.S. economic cooperation as technological change and supply chain restructuring accelerate. National Assemblyman Kim Youngbae and James Heller, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, delivered congratulatory speeches, followed by a video message from Michael DeSomber, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.

Son Dongkyun, Director-General for Regulatory Reform at the Office for Government Policy Coordination, explained the direction of Korea's regulatory reform. Eunha Kim, Director of External Affairs at AMCHAM, introduced key findings from the 'AMCHAM 2026 Korea Business Environment Survey' and the 'Business Environment Insight Report,' outlining the regulatory challenges and market environment faced by companies.

In the subsequent session, participants discussed Korea's economic outlook, the tasks of regulatory reform, and the opportunities and challenges arising from AI adoption. The discussion highlighted the importance of building an AI-based industrial ecosystem and linking policy and infrastructure, particularly focusing on the case of the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ).

Yoon Sun Cho, attorney at Kim & Chang, commented, "Adopting AI is like navigating a vast ocean filled with the reefs of risk. Only by establishing comprehensive governance—where skilled leaders (captains) direct with accurate maps (risk management) and secure vessels (technological safeguards)—can we avoid running aground."

Son Hye-Young, Director of Innovation Growth City Department at the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, stated, "Through the IFEZ 'AI City' model, we will integrate regulatory innovation, global open innovation, and demonstration infrastructure to grow Incheon into a world-leading AI city innovation platform."

In the ensuing corporate session, major global companies such as Corning Precision Materials, Onsemi, and Visa shared their perspectives on regulatory and non-tariff barriers and tasks for improving the investment environment, based on their experience operating in Korea.

Van Hol, President of Corning Precision Materials, stated, "Korea has abundant potential to lead the AI era, thanks to its dynamic industrial ecosystem and outstanding talent. Corning is committed to continuous innovation based on these opportunities, and we expect that close public-private cooperation will play a crucial role in strengthening AI competitiveness."

Yoonjin Lee, Head of Onsemi Korea, noted, "As Korea accelerates AI adoption, efficiently and reliably supplying power across all systems, from data centers to electric vehicles, is becoming a core challenge. Onsemi is supporting Korea's growth in AI and electric vehicle sectors through our power semiconductor technology."

In the session themed 'Buy America' and trust-based supply chains, participants discussed ways to strengthen supply chain stability and rules-based trade order through Korea-U.S. cooperation, and to seek new growth opportunities. Kim Dogyun, Vice President at PTC Headquarters and President of PTC Korea, who delivered the presentation, said, "Korea is a country that possesses the world's top-tier manufacturing capabilities and digital technologies. AI will serve as the key factor linking these two strengths to accelerate both productivity and innovation. When clear standards for data utilization and a predictable policy environment are established, global investment and cooperation will expand even further," he added.

Finally, during the panel discussion on 'Establishing a Policy Foundation for an AI-Based Economy,' industry leaders and policy experts exchanged views on regulatory improvement, public-private cooperation, and the challenges Korea must address to become a regional hub in AI and advanced industries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.