Getting the foundations right: How South Asia can make AI work for growth Johannes Zutt October 21, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/getting-the-foundations-right--how-south-asia-can-make-ai-work-f Two forces are currently reshaping the global economy. The first is high energy prices, resulting from the conflict in the Middle East. South Asia is particularly vulnerable. It is one of the most energy-dependent regions in the world, and it relies more heavily on shipments through the Strait of Hormuz than other regions. The second is the rapid advance of artificial intelligence (AI). Countries that produce AI-related goods have been propelled forward by rising exports and investment.