IMF Chief Says AI Investment Keeps Global Growth Around 3%, Asia Benefits

On October 12, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said at the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok that strong investment in AI infrastructure is keeping global growth around 3%, and Asian economies are benefiting from providing hardware and equipment for the industry.

Georgieva noted that the United States, China and India are the most important producers in the AI supply chain, but many companies building the necessary infrastructure are based in Asia. She estimated that the AI investment boom could boost growth in advanced Asian economies by 0.5 to 1 percentage point and in emerging Asian economies by 0.2 to 0.8 percentage point.

She described AI as a slow-moving tsunami, saying it will have a profound impact on jobs, growth, education, and even how governments generate tax revenue. The IMF estimates that over time, about 40% of jobs globally could be replaced, downgraded, or eliminated.

The IMF previously forecast global growth of 3% for 2026 in July and planned to release an updated outlook on October 13.