Business · Economy · 6 hrs ago
IMF chief says AI investment is supporting global growth
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said AI investment is helping keep global economic growth near 3%.
She spoke in Bangkok at the first day of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings.
Investment in AI infrastructure could add 0.5 to 1 percentage point to growth in advanced Asian economies, and 0.2 to 0.8 points in developing Asian economies, she said.
Asia benefits because many companies building AI infrastructure and supplying its hardware are based in the region.
Georgieva warned that AI could affect 40% of jobs over time by supporting, changing or eliminating them.
She and other officials also raised concerns about fewer entry-level opportunities for graduates and a growing gap between richer and poorer economies.
The IMF is due to update its global growth forecast on Tuesday, and officials at the meetings are discussing how to spread AI’s benefits and manage its effects on workers.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said investment in artificial intelligence is helping keep global growth near 3 percent.
She said the investment is creating a demand and investment shock, while Asia is among the regions benefiting most.
Georgieva warned that AI could affect jobs, growth, education and how governments collect taxes.
Other officials at the Bangkok meetings highlighted potential benefits for developing countries and risks to employment opportunities.
- Who
- IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, along with other officials attending the IMF-World Bank meetings.
- What
- Georgieva said AI investment is supporting global growth, while officials discussed its economic opportunities and risks.
- When
- The first day of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings; the article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Bangkok, Thailand.
- Why
- AI infrastructure investment is boosting demand and investment, helping keep global growth near 3 percent.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
AI is already here.
slow-moving tsunami
Demand is declining at the first-job step after graduation. We need to address this problem very soon.
small AI
The IMF announced a 3 percent global growth forecast for 2026.
Georgieva said AI investment was helping keep global growth near 3 percent.
The IMF's global growth forecast is due to be updated.
- Global growth
- Around 3 percent
- Advanced Asian economies
- AI infrastructure investment could add 0.5 to 1 percentage point to growth
- Developing Asian economies
- AI infrastructure investment could add 0.2 to 0.8 percentage points to growth
- Jobs affected by AI
- The IMF estimates AI could support, downgrade or eliminate 40 percent of jobs over time
- Meeting location
- Bangkok, Thailand
Sources
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