ISLAMABAD, Nov 1 (ABC): Strong investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is improving the global trade outlook, as rising demand for semiconductors, servers and advanced technologies supports international commerce. The trend is also creating opportunities for developing economies to participate in the expanding digital economy.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has raised its global merchandise trade volume growth forecast for 2026 to 3.9% from 1.9%. The organisation attributed the improved outlook partly to resilient supply chains and stronger-than-expected investment in AI-related infrastructure.
According to the WTO’s October Global Trade Outlook and Statistics, AI-enabling goods accounted for 47% of the increase in global merchandise trade value during the first half of 2026. Moreover, trade in these products expanded by 67% year-on-year, highlighting the growing importance of advanced technologies in international commerce.
This growth helped offset disruptions in energy and transport markets caused by the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, international supply chains adjusted through alternative suppliers, ports and trade routes.
The WTO expects AI-related investment to remain an important driver of merchandise trade through 2027. However, participation in the emerging AI supply chain remains concentrated among a limited number of economies.
In 2025, the world’s 10 largest traders of AI-enabling goods accounted for approximately 85% of global exports and 80% of imports. These figures highlight the importance of technological capabilities and industrial competitiveness in accessing expanding markets.
AI investment creates opportunities beyond semiconductor manufacturing
Muhammad Hafeez, founder and CEO of Nexa Robots Pvt Ltd, told Wealth Pakistan that growing demand for AI infrastructure could create opportunities for developing economies beyond advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
He identified software development, industrial automation, systems integration and technical services as promising areas for businesses seeking to participate in the expanding AI economy.
“Investment in data centres, chips and servers is exceptionally strong right now, but spending of this scale tends to move in cycles,” he said.
Hafeez explained that the current pace of AI infrastructure investment might eventually moderate. However, demand for computing, automation and practical AI applications was likely to continue expanding.
He said advanced semiconductor and server manufacturing would probably remain concentrated in a limited number of economies. These industries require substantial capital, technological expertise and large-scale manufacturing capabilities.
Nevertheless, wider AI adoption could create opportunities for businesses that integrate imported equipment, adapt software and provide maintenance and technical support.
According to Hafeez, developing economies could benefit by building capabilities around imported technologies rather than attempting to replicate the most capital-intensive segments of the industry.
He cited Nexa Robots as an example of this approach. The company combines imported robotics hardware with locally developed software, AI applications and systems integration.
It also works with Chinese technology and manufacturing partners to develop robotics solutions suited to Pakistan’s requirements.
Hafeez said Pakistan could strengthen its robotics and automation industry through systems integration, software adaptation, equipment deployment, maintenance and technical support. Furthermore, selective manufacturing of components could become commercially viable as domestic demand for automation expands.
He emphasised the need for predictable customs and tax treatment for automation equipment and spare parts. Accessible financing, leasing arrangements and practical technical training could also help Pakistani businesses adopt advanced technologies more effectively.
Digital services offer new avenues for developing economies
The expansion of AI-related trade is also creating opportunities beyond computing hardware. AI development requires supporting investment in electricity, data centres, digital connectivity, software and specialised services.
Kazim Ullah, Software Engineer, Technology Educator, Co-founder of Devspire Solutions and Mentor of the IT & Robotics Society at City University Peshawar, told Wealth Pakistan that AI’s economic impact extended across multiple sectors.
He said developing and deploying AI systems required investment in energy infrastructure, data management, computing facilities and digital connectivity alongside semiconductors and servers.
Consequently, developing economies could participate in international technology markets through specialised services and applications without necessarily producing advanced computing hardware.
However, Kazim cautioned that the sustainability of the current AI investment boom would depend on measurable productivity improvements and commercially useful applications.
He said developing countries did not necessarily need to manufacture advanced semiconductors or build large foundational AI models to benefit from growing international demand.
Instead, opportunities existed in AI-enabled software, industrial automation, cloud services, data management, specialised applications and technology-enabled business services.
For Pakistan, these activities could help develop domestic technological expertise, improve business efficiency and expand technology-related exports.
Kazim said developing economies should identify sectors where they could realistically create economic value. At the same time, they needed to invest in reliable electricity, digital infrastructure, technical education, research and affordable computing resources.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among universities, businesses and research institutions. Such partnerships could strengthen technical capabilities and accelerate the commercial application of AI.
Moreover, wider AI skills development across manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education and finance could help businesses adopt new technologies and improve productivity.
Pakistan can benefit through technology services and industrial innovation
The growing international demand for AI infrastructure reflects a broader transformation in global trade. Advanced computing equipment and related technologies are becoming increasingly important components of international merchandise flows.
However, WTO figures show that much of this trade remains concentrated among a relatively small number of economies. Therefore, technological capabilities, skilled workers and industrial competitiveness will play important roles in determining which countries benefit.
For Pakistan and other developing economies, opportunities extend beyond importing AI equipment. Building expertise in software, systems integration, industrial automation and specialised technical services could create greater domestic economic value.
The longer-term benefits of the global AI investment boom will depend on how effectively developing economies adopt advanced technologies. Stronger productivity, industrial innovation and competitive technology-related exports could help them secure a larger share of the expanding digital economy.
