KOTRA Advances into the Middle East with AI... AI Cooperation Forum Held with Qatar

UAE and Qatar Accelerate AI Adoption
Sharing Policy Demands for AI Development Between Both Countries
Expert Discussion Held Using AI Platform

KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) has begun supporting the overseas expansion of Korean companies by aligning with the AI (artificial intelligence) policy needs of Middle Eastern countries.

KOTRA announced on the 18th that, following the signing of an AI and digital cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Dubai Future Foundation on September 9, it also held an AI cooperation forum in Qatar on the 17th.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, both considered wealthy nations in the Middle East, are actively working to expand AI adoption, having announced the "AI Strategy 2031" and the "National Digital Agenda 2030," respectively.

KOTRA, in collaboration with the embassy and the Qatari Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, hosted the "Korea-Qatar AI Cooperation Forum" to share both countries' AI development policy needs and introduce Korean AI solutions. The event featured an expert discussion utilizing a domestic generative AI platform, and the technology introduction session was led by an AI announcer developed by a Korean company.

KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) building. KOTRA.

The Qatari side was represented by the National AI Committee, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Al Jazeera Media Network, and Qatar Airways. From Korea, the National Information Society Agency (NIA) and seven AI-related companies participated, holding on-site consultations with Qatari institutions and businesses. Notably, the National Information Society Agency presented plans for Korea-Qatar AI governance cooperation, marking the first collaborative case since signing an MOU with KOTRA on September 12.

Qatar, a major exporter of LNG (liquefied natural gas) and crude oil, is pursuing the "National Digital Agenda 2030" to foster new growth industries such as AI. On September 3, Qatar announced the establishment of the "National Artificial Intelligence Center," the organization overseeing the country's AI strategy. Qatar is also striving to become a leading AI nation in the Middle East by consecutively hosting world-class technology conferences such as Web Summit, Mobile World Congress (MWC), and World Summit AI. As a result of these policy efforts, the Qatari AI market is expected to grow from 430 million dollars in 2024 to 1.94 billion dollars by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 28%.

Yoon Hyunsoo, Ambassador of Korea to Qatar, stated, "This is the first time that Korea and Qatar, as strategic partners, have created an opportunity to exchange policies and technologies in the field of AI, a core technology that will shape the future. I am pleased that the forum was held in a very timely manner, meeting the interests and expectations of both countries regarding artificial intelligence."

Kim Myunghee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Innovation Growth Division at KOTRA, added, "Through this forum, we introduced our AI technologies to Qatar and confirmed the high level of local demand aligned with their policies. We will contribute to achieving our goal of becoming one of the top three AI powerhouses by supporting the globalization of our AI ecosystem."