AI helps global trade 'sell well'

(Chinhphu.vn) - According to a newly published report by the World Trade Organization (WTO), artificial intelligence (AI) could boost global trade by 34-37% by 2040, while helping to increase global GDP by 12-13%, depending on the scenario.

The report states that AI will help economies easily access important commodities such as raw materials, semiconductors and components, materials for production, thereby promoting industrial development and improving productivity. In 2023 alone, global trade turnover of this group of commodities is estimated to reach about 2,300 billion USD.

However, the WTO warns that disparities in access to AI technology between countries could widen the digital divide, making it difficult for many countries to participate in digital trade. "AI has great potential to reduce trade costs and improve productivity. However, access to AI technology and capacity to participate in digital trade remains uneven," WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala wrote in the report's foreword.

“If trade, investment and supporting policies are properly combined, AI will open up new growth opportunities for all economies. With the right framework, trade can play a key role in ensuring that AI serves the common good. The WTO is committed to accompanying and supporting this effort,” she added.

According to the WTO scenario, when low- and middle-income countries halve the digital infrastructure gap with high-income groups and widely adopt AI, their incomes will increase by about 15% and 14%.

The WTO called for increased international cooperation in AI and trade, and affirmed the need to maintain open and predictable trade policies to create a favorable environment for technological development. The report also said that the number of trade restrictions on AI-related goods has increased sharply, from 130 in 2012 to nearly 500 in 2024.

In addition, the WTO recommends that countries increase investment in education , training and improve labor market policies to prevent the risk of increasing inequality. According to this organization, with the right policies and investments, AI will open up many new opportunities, strengthen the international trade system and support more sustainable and comprehensive growth.

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/ai-giup-buon-ban-toan-cau-dat-hang-10225091910433086.htm