Published: 12:50, October 12, 2026
IMF says AI investment keeps global growth around 3%, with major Asia benefits
By Reuters
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at the Small AI, Real Jobs forum during the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Oct 12, 2026. (PHOTO/AP)

BANGKOK – Strong investment in AI infrastructure is keeping global ​growth at around 3 percent, yielding ‌major benefits for many Asian economies that supply the hardware, such ​as Thailand, said Kristalina ​Georgieva, managing director of the ⁠International Monetary Fund.

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The artificial intelligence ​investment boom was a "demand shock, ​an investment shock" that could boost growth in advanced regional economies by ​a half to one full ​percentage point, and emerging Asian economies by ‌0.2 ⁠to 0.8 percentage point, she said.

"So that shift into higher gear is what is ​keeping the ​world ⁠economy growing at around 3 percent, despite the fact ​we are being dragged ​down ⁠by the energy supply shock," Georgieva told IMF and World ⁠Bank ​annual meetings in ​the Thai capital.