Investments in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure help maintain global economic growth at around 3%, according to Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Asian countries that supply equipment for this technology are among the beneficiaries.
During the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Georgieva said investments in AI help offset the effects of reduced energy supply and boost regional economies.
Asian countries that supply AI hardware are seeing GDP growth due to the strong positive shock in international demand. – Image: Summit Art Creations/Shutterstock
Asia accounts for part of the gains from AI
In developed Asian economies, investments in AI can add 0.5 to 1 percentage point to economic growth. In emerging economies in the region, the estimated impact ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 percentage points.
“AI, love it or hate it. It is already here,” Georgieva said.
In July, the IMF projected global growth of 3% in 2026 and planned to release an update to its estimates on Tuesday. According to Georgieva, investments in technological infrastructure help sustain economic activity even amid difficulties in energy supply.
The United States, China, and India are among the main producers in the technology supply chain.Asia also hosts many companies responsible for building the necessary infrastructure, which benefits countries such as Thailand, the host of the meetings.
The major challenge in the coming years will be ensuring that advances in artificial intelligence continue to generate quality jobs. – Image: Jack_the_sparow/Shutterstock
Jobs and inequality concern authorities
The impact of artificial intelligence goes beyond the economy. Georgieva described the technology as a “slow-moving tsunami,” with consequences for the labor market, education, and tax revenue. The transfer of income from labor to capital may also require changes in how governments collect taxes.
The IMF estimates that, over time, 40% of jobs could be enhanced, downgraded, or eliminated as a result of AI.An initial study by the institution found that 10% of jobs in the United States already required technology-related skills.
While routine and repetitive roles are losing ground, sectors such as construction and data centers are recording job growth, including in lower-paying occupations.
For World Bank President Ajay Banga, smaller AI tools that do not rely on large language models can boost productivity in agriculture, healthcare, and education in emerging economies.
Meanwhile, Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam drew attention to declining demand for early-career professionals.
“There is a specific problem we need to address very soon: the first rung on the career ladder, the first job after graduation, is experiencing lower demand,” he said.
Shanmugaratnam also warned that, without measures to broaden access to the benefits of technology, AI could widen the gaps in growth and job creation between developed and developing countries.
To address these challenges, authorities highlighted three areas of focus:
- Vocational training: prepare workers for changes in the skills demanded by the market.
- Access to opportunities: prevent new graduates from finding even fewer entry points into the job market.
- Distribution of gains: broaden the benefits of AI for emerging economies rather than concentrating them in wealthier countries.
The IMF and World Bank meetings are expected to bring together around 18,000 participants, including financial representatives from the fund's 191 members. The debate seeks to reconcile the economic gains of artificial intelligence with its effects on employment and the distribution of opportunities.
Valdir Antonelli is a journalist specializing in digital marketing and consumer issues.
