International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that large-scale investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure has helped sustain global economic growth at approximately 3%. However, she described AI as a “slow-moving tsunami”—a force expected to shift the distribution of wealth from labor to capital, with profound implications for employment, economic growth, education, and even how governments generate revenue through taxation.
The annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank kicked off in Bangkok on the 12th. Key topics on the agenda include global economic growth, financial risks, the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, and the impact of an aging population on labor markets, productivity, and economic development.
Georgieva noted that the AI investment boom acts as both a “demand shock” and an “investment shock.” It is projected to boost economic growth in Asia’s advanced economies by 0.5 to 1 percentage point, and in emerging Asian economies by 0.2 to 0.8 percentage points.
She added that while the global economy has been weighed down by shocks to energy supplies, it is precisely this investment momentum that has kept global growth hovering around 3%.
Nevertheless, Georgieva pointed out that, over time, AI could affect 40% of jobs—leading to roles being enhanced, downgraded, or eliminated entirely. “We are already seeing some of these effects in advanced economies,” she said, expressing particular concern for young people just entering the workforce, especially those in routine or repetitive roles.
Preliminary research indicates that 10% of jobs in the United States now require AI-related skills. While routine and repetitive tasks are on the decline, there has been an increase in lower-wage job openings in sectors such as construction and data center operations.
Given that this year’s IMF-World Bank meetings are being held in Thailand, Georgieva highlighted that while the United States, China, and India are the most critical producers within the AI supply chain, many of the companies building the necessary infrastructure are based in Asia.
World Bank President Ajay Banga stated that the organization is focusing on leveraging “small AI”—systems that do not rely on large language models—to drive significant productivity gains for farmers, healthcare systems, and educators in emerging markets.