Korea must move fast to secure global competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI) through aggressive investments in 2026, the country's leading business lobbies said Monday, highlighting AI as a key growth sector for the nation. "In order to secure global-level competitiveness in the AI and green transformation sectors, it is essential to build the capability to pursue major investment projects swiftly," Chey Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), said in a New Year's message. Chey, who also heads SK Group, said such efforts are crucial as Korea faces various challenges, including low growth and uncertainties in global geopolitics. The chairman has been calling on the government to revamp local fair trade laws to help chipmakers raise cash for major investment projects, including easing shareholding regulations when launching subsidiaries aimed at attracting outside investment. "We need to improve the predictability of local policies so that businesses, which are the main drivers of growth, do not face hurdles when carrying out investments or pursuing