BANGKOK, 12 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says IMF AI investment is helping maintain global economic growth at approximately 3%, despite rising energy costs and economic uncertainty. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure during the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
The IMF chief said strong demand for technology equipment and infrastructure was providing an important boost to economies involved in manufacturing and supplying artificial intelligence hardware, particularly across Asia.
AI Investment Delivers Major Boost to Asian Economies
Georgieva explained that expanding expenditure on artificial intelligence represents a significant source of economic demand.
According to the IMF, the technology investment boom could increase growth in advanced Asian economies by between 0.5 and 1 percentage point.
Emerging Asian economies could benefit from increases of between 0.2 and 0.8 percentage points.
Thailand was identified as one of the countries benefiting from growing demand for hardware supporting AI infrastructure.
The expansion is creating opportunities for manufacturers supplying components used in data centres, computing systems and other advanced technologies.
IMF Chief Highlights Powerful Economic Transformation
Speaking during the Bangkok meetings, Georgieva described the artificial intelligence expansion as a major investment and demand shock.
She said:
“So that shift into higher gear is what is keeping the world economy growing at around 3%, despite the fact we are being dragged down by the energy supply shock.”
Her remarks emphasised the importance of technology spending in supporting economic activity during a period of uncertainty surrounding energy supplies and global financial conditions.
However, the IMF has also warned that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence presents challenges for employment, productivity distribution and economic inequality.
Global Economic Growth Faces Energy and Debt Pressures
The IMF’s assessment comes as governments confront higher energy costs, public debt and pressure on household finances.
These challenges have increased concerns about inflation, borrowing costs and the ability of countries to maintain economic stability.
Earlier in October, Georgieva urged policymakers to strengthen fiscal management and prepare for the wider economic consequences of artificial intelligence.
The IMF has stressed that technological progress can increase productivity, but countries need appropriate infrastructure, skilled workers and effective economic policies to benefit fully.
What the AI Boom Means for Europe and Brussels
The latest IMF AI investment assessment also has implications for European policymakers seeking to strengthen economic competitiveness.
For the European Union, expanding artificial intelligence capabilities could support productivity improvements across manufacturing, financial services and other industries.
However, businesses face challenges involving electricity demand, infrastructure costs and workforce adaptation.
European governments must also consider how technological changes could affect employment opportunities and the distribution of economic benefits.
The IMF has previously highlighted the importance of education, digital infrastructure and regulatory preparedness in helping economies benefit from AI adoption.
What Happens Next for Global Economic Growth?
The IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok continue this week, bringing together finance ministers, central bankers and economic policymakers.
The IMF is preparing updated economic assessments examining global growth, inflation and financial risks.
Discussions will also address the consequences of artificial intelligence for employment, investment and economic development.
The findings will be closely watched by governments and businesses seeking to understand whether technology-led investment can continue supporting global growth despite persistent energy and debt pressures.
