Gwangju Chamber: "Only 2.5 Billion Won of 67 Billion for AI Data Center Included in Supplementary Budget"

Statement of Opinion...
"Overlooking Strategic Importance"

National AI Data Center exterior view.

The Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for the full allocation of the National AI Data Center's operating budget in the supplementary budget bill.

On April 21, the Gwangju Chamber issued a statement expressing deep regret that the operating budget for the National AI Data Center, located in Gwangju, had not been sufficiently reflected in the current supplementary budget. The Chamber stated, "The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Assembly Special Committee on Budget and Accounts must allocate the entire amount of 67 billion won."

The Gwangju Chamber explained, "The National AI Data Center is a nationwide public infrastructure supporting around 900 companies across the country, which are currently carrying out approximately 2,000 AI projects. It provides integrated services such as high-performance GPU computing equipment, large-scale data storage, security authentication systems, and AI testbeds. Through these services, small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, and research institutes are able to develop and validate AI technologies without the burden of high infrastructure costs."

The Chamber continued, "However, in the current supplementary budget bill under government review, only 2.5 billion won out of the total 67 billion won operating budget has been allocated. This overlooks both the national utility and the strategic importance of the center."

Additionally, the Chamber pointed out, "The government has classified this project merely as a 'regional project.' Given that the AI Data Center is a strategic infrastructure utilized nationwide, not limited to a specific region, it is essential that it receives appropriate budget allocation as a 'national project' so that it can be stably reflected in future main budgets and mid- to long-term fiscal plans."