Masayoshi Son, Chairman of SoftBank Group [AP=Yonhap News, Photo Archive. Reproduction and Database prohibited]

Japan's SoftBank Group (SBG), led by Chairman Masayoshi Son, is set to make a large-scale investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in France, Bloomberg News reported on the 30th (local time).

SoftBank Group announced on the same day that it plans to invest 75 billion euros ($87 billion, 131.8 trillion won) in France to build AI data centers with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts (GW).

As the first phase of investment, 45 billion euros (79 trillion won) will be allocated by 2031 to deliver an AI data center with a capacity of 3.1 GW in the Hauts-de-France region, north of Paris.

"This project is the largest AI infrastructure investment ever undertaken by SoftBank in Europe," SoftBank Group stated. "We will contribute to France becoming a leading European hub for next-generation digital infrastructure by developing additional sites across France in the future."

The investment plan was realized through "private diplomacy" between Chairman Son and French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Japan last month, Bloomberg News reported.

Previously, Chairman Son mentioned in an interview with French media, "I was deeply impressed by President Macron's personal dedication to ensuring France's economic success."

SoftBank Group is expected to officially announce the related investment plans at "Choose France," the French government's annual investment promotion event hosted by President Macron. (Yonhap News)