OECD Officials and Experts Gather in Seoul
Diverse Discussions on the Role of AI and Fiscal Policy
Sharing Case Studies from Estonia, France, and Other Countries
Budget officials from member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), along with domestic and international fiscal experts, gathered to discuss a range of fiscal challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI), and to explore future directions. At this event, the government expressed its commitment to actively utilizing AI in fiscal policy management. Experts also advised that the government should not only focus on fiscal efficiency through AI but also make direct investments and provide indirect support in the AI sector.
Lim Gi-geun, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is speaking at the 13th Korea-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) International Fiscal Forum. Ministry of Economy and Finance
"Actively Applying AI Research Achievements to Fiscal Policy"
On September 26, 2025, the 13th Korea-OECD International Fiscal Forum, hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and co-organized by the Korea Development Institute (KDI) and the OECD, was held at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The International Fiscal Forum has been held alternately in Seoul and Paris, France since 2009. This year, experts in fiscal policy from major countries such as Korea, France, the United Kingdom, and Estonia, as well as the OECD, gathered to engage in discussions under the theme of "AI and the Role of Fiscal Policy."
Lim Gigeun, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, stated in his opening remarks, "The Korean government regards AI as a core pillar of its economic policy." He continued, "In next year's budget, we plan to invest more than 10 trillion won in the AI sector, which is over three times the amount allocated this year, to drive the AI transformation. We also intend to actively apply the AI research achievements accumulated so far to the operation of fiscal policy."
He further emphasized, "AI is the way forward, but it carries enormous uncertainties along with boundless potential. It is necessary to pool global capabilities to minimize trial and error and to establish precise policies for AI development."
In his welcoming address, KDI President Cho Dongchul said, "The government should actively introduce AI into all stages of fiscal and administrative processes, including planning, execution, and evaluation. AI can enhance the accuracy of revenue projections and systematically assess expenditure efficiency, thereby significantly improving the effectiveness and transparency of budget execution." He added, "Going beyond simple administrative improvements, this will strengthen the sustainability of fiscal policy and lay the foundation for increased public trust."
President Cho also pointed out that the government faces the dual challenge of making direct investments and providing indirect support in the AI sector. He explained, "In particular, issues such as data quality, standards, security, and ethics are difficult to resolve without indirect support. The government's detailed institutional design will determine the speed and scope of innovation," he said.
Officials attending the 13th Korea-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) International Fiscal Forum are taking a commemorative photo. Ministry of Economy and Finance
Exploring AI-Driven Fiscal Efficiency and Investment Strategies
The event consisted of two sessions and a comprehensive discussion. Session 1, under the theme of "AI and Fiscal Efficiency," featured presentations on ways to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public finances. The session covered topics such as the use of digital data and AI technologies to advance revenue and fiscal forecasting. Case studies from France, Estonia, and Korea were presented on building AI-based fiscal decision-making systems and upgrading related infrastructures.
Session 2, titled "The Role of Investment and Fiscal Policy," included a series of presentations on public investment strategies related to AI, the creation of an AI industry ecosystem, and the role of fiscal policy in securing technological sovereignty. Experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Korea discussed the government's role in AI investment for fostering advanced and strategic national industries, as well as explored opportunities for global cooperation.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated, "We will take into consideration the policy recommendations made by fiscal experts from major OECD countries during this forum," adding, "We will strive to keep pace with the era of AI transformation."
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