A Middle East conflict is dampening tech investment sentiment and adding strain to semiconductor supply chains and AI infrastructure plans, CNBC reported. Although a two-week ceasefire was recently agreed, about six weeks of clashes have hurt the region’s reputation as an investment destination. Helium exports used in chipmaking have dropped, and shipping disruptions are delaying some Asia-origin chip deliveries to European firms. Analysts see heightened uncertainty for data centres and AI projects.

South Korea\'s top trade negotiator Yeo Han-koo held broad trade diplomacy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, meeting trade ministers and executives about 50 times, the industry ministry said on Jan. 23. He discussed bilateral issues with the United States and held talks on steel import restrictions with the European Union and Canada. He also pushed for faster negotiations on multiple FTAs and attended WTO ministerial meetings focused on restoring the multilateral trading order.