World Investment Forum Explores AI Opportunities and Inclusive Growth
Doha, October 25 (QNA) - During a session on artificial intelligence (AI) investment, held as part of the ninth edition of the World Investment Forum in Doha, a panel of international officials and experts examined investment opportunities in digital infrastructure and smart applications. Discussions focused on mechanisms to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to leverage cutting-edge technologies, while addressing critical sector challenges, including expanding digital connectivity, lowering technology costs, and ensuring an equitable, inclusive distribution of AI-derived economic benefits.
In this context, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qai Abdullah bin Hamad Al Misnad emphasized the imperative of investing in robust AI infrastructure and establishing strategic partnerships, noting that such initiatives convert technological investments into sustainable economic value while driving corporate productivity and enterprise growth.
He pointed out that realizing tangible returns from AI investments requires empowering end-users and businesses to adopt these technologies to optimize operational performance, rather than concentrating exclusively on core infrastructure and foundational technical models.
For his part, CEO of Ant International Peng Yang highlighted the necessity of democratizing access to AI, blockchain, and digital financial services for SMEs, thereby bolstering their capacity to enter global markets and compete effectively alongside multinational corporations.
He explained that his firm serves approximately 16 million merchants globally, around 95 percent of which are SMEs, emphasizing that integrated cross-border payment and financial management solutions play a pivotal role in streamlining international commercial operations and accelerating small-business growth.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Thomas Lamanauskas drew attention to the sharp global disparity in the distribution of AI investments and computing power, noting that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide remain completely disconnected from the internet.
He explained that bridging the global digital infrastructure gap will necessitate an estimated $2.8 trillion in investments by 2030, underscoring the critical need to modernize telecommunications networks, guarantee reliable electricity access, foster digital skills development, and cultivate an investment climate capable of mobilizing private capital.
Adding to the discussion, CEO of 01.AI and Chairman of Sinovation Ventures Kai-Fu Lee asserted that practical, domain-specific applications represent the primary catalyst for extracting economic value from artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of embedding these technologies directly into core business workflows and executive decision-making.
He noted that developing economies can maximize their returns from AI by deploying lower-cost, open-source models, enabling local businesses and consumers to access tailored, scalable solutions without incurring prohibitive expenditure.
In conclusion, participants reiterated the urgency of reinforcing international public-private partnerships and accelerating investments in digital infrastructure, human capital, and operational applications to expand AI accessibility and foster inclusive, sustainable global economic growth. (QNA)