BRICS expansion in Asia: building resilience and global influence

Despite US tariff threats, BRICS's enlargement in Asia shows its resilience and the desire for collaboration.

In recent years, BRICS has become a key player globally. The blocs's influence is growing. In 2025, Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian nation to join BRICS. #Malaysia, #Thailand and #Vietnam joined as partner countries, boosting #ASEAN's connection.

This expansion highlights BRICS' growing influence and its role in a multipolar world. These nations bring strong economies to BRICS, with Asia becoming a focal point due to its vibrant economies and strategic location. As partners, Malaysia and Indonesia strengthen BRICS with robust economies and strategic trade positions. This enhances trade agreements and technological cooperation. Vietnam and Thailand’s inclusion cements the ASEAN-BRICS relationship; both are key in global supply chains.

#BRICS' growth emphasises sustainable development, with many infrastructure projects focusing on renewable energy and green tech, aligning with global sustainability trends.

US tariffs highlight the need for Asia to diversify economic ties. Joining BRICS offers countries like Indonesia and Malaysia wider trade and investment opportunities, reducing reliance on the US.

The article expresses the personal opinion of the author. It may not coincide with the position of the editorial board of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia.

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Trade routes and partnerships show fundamental changes in Russia

Against the backdrop of the structural transformation of the Russian economy, major shifts in trade routes have influenced at least 40% of the country's exports and imports since 2022. During this period, BRICS countries supplanted Western nations to become Russia's primary trade partners, as highlighted in a study by the Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA).

The report states that these fundamental changes took place predominantly in 2022 and 2023. Over these eighteen months, BRICS countries took over the position previously held by Western countries in Russia’s trading ecosystem.

According to ACRA, the share of #BRICS countries in Russia's foreign trade turnover surged from 20-25% in 2022 to 45-55% by 2024. The importance of Russia's Central Asian neighbours has also grown, along with that of Belarus, albeit to a lesser degree.

Moreover, the reorientation of trade routes has coincided with alterations in the currency structure for trade payments, the types of transportations utilised, and several other facets of Russia's trade operations.

#NEWS #Russia #economics #trade

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Russia-Iran diplomatic talks in Tehran address security threats

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko held discussions in Tehran with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi on the formation of Eurasian architecture and security threats posed by NATO and the European Union. The talks were part of inter-ministerial consultations between Russia and Iran held on March 16-17.

Grushko was also hosted by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

"There was a thorough exchange of views on global trends in world development, the formation of a polycentric world and Eurasian architecture. In this context, the sides touched upon the situation in Europe, including threats to stability and security emanating from #NATO and the European Union (#EU), the situation in the #OSCE, the activities of the Council of Europe. The inadmissibility of the use of illegal unilateral restrictive measures in interstate relations was emphasised. The sides compared their approaches to issues on the regional and international agenda," the ministry stated.

The statement highlighted their mutual interest in deepening the bilateral political dialogue and emphasised the importance of cooperation within the #SCO, #BRICS, and other formats. They also welcomed the upcoming implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran.

It was agreed to maintain regular consultations moving forward.

#NEWS #Iran #RussiaIran #security

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🌍🤍 AfCFTA and BRICS: Unlocking Africa’s trade potential

The BRICS bloc represents a significant share of global GDP and investment. Meanwhile, Africa offers vast untapped potential in trade, infrastructure, and critical minerals. In an interview with Sputnik Africa, Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), explained how these two entities can benefit each other.

"The value proposition that we make as a continent of Africa to the BRICS is to look at the AfCFTA as an investment market, as an opportunity for investment-led trade," he said.

Mene also addressed the challenges of currency exchange in intra-African trade, pointing to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System as a solution:

"If the cost of trade is caused to increase by buying a third currency, then the AfCFTA has to intervene, which we have done through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System," he explained.

With these initiatives, AfCFTA aims to drive economic integration and reduce trade barriers across the continent.

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Paraguay shows interest in BRICS and its events under the Brazilian сhairship

Russian Ambassador to Asuncion Alexey Pisarev discussed trade relations and political cooperation between Russia and Paraguay. In April 2024, the minister of economy and finance in Paraguay, Carlos Fernández Valdovinos said that the country did not see the possibility of joining BRICS due to the lack of diplomatic relations with China.

However, according to Pisarev, there is currently a strong interest in #BRICS. This is relevant given the Brazilian chairship of the bloc. According to the Paraguayan government's position, as expressed by the minister of foreign affairs of Paraguay, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, if the country receives an invitation, it is interested in participating in events organised by the Brazilian chairship.

Paraguay's accession to partner status or full membership in BRICS is not yet under consideration.

#NEWS #Paraguay #diplomacy

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🤍🌍 BRICS-AfCFTA integration to boost investment, job creation in Africa, Ugandan finance state minister says

Amos Lugoloobi sees BRICS-AfCFTA cooperation as a game-changer for Africa’s economy, expanding markets and attracting foreign investment.

“When you integrate, you broaden the market. Therefore, it means that you are going to attract more and more investment, more inward and foreign direct investment getting into your territory, being attracted by the market akin to what we saw in China,” he told Sputnik Africa.

With Ethiopia, Egypt, and South Africa joining BRICS and Uganda securing partner status, Lugoloobi believes the partnership will bring in capital, create jobs, and boost growth.

"They will attract capital from non-member countries to come into the territory to produce and market within that region, and by doing so, they are creating jobs, and they are stimulating growth in that particular territory," he noted.

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❗️It is unclear why G7 is 'great,' what great is about it? — Putin on the Group of Seven

"In 2024, the Eurozone's GDP growth was 0.9%. And the Big Seven... why is it big? It's not clear. What's big there? No matter where you look, you can't see anyone on the map. This seven has 1.9% growth. And BRICS has 4.9%. In Russia, it's 4.1% for two years in a row," Putin said.

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Strengthening сultural ties between Russia and South Africa

The Russian Embassy in South Africa hosted a significant event aimed at enhancing cultural connections between the two nations, as well as among #BRICS countries and the Global South. The programme included the opening of an international photo exhibition and the screening of a feature film inspired by Russian folk tales.

The event's highlight was the 10th Andrey Stenin International Press Photo Contest Exhibition, showcasing photographs by artists from Russia, South Africa, China, India, and other nations.

The cultural evening proceeded with the screening of "The Flying Ship" (2024), a feature film adaptation of the 1979 Soviet cartoon. Attendees, including government officials, academics, and media representatives, acclaimed the film's portrayal of the aesthetics found in Russian folk tales and folklore.

Concluding the event, Ambassador Ambarov presented awards to winners of an online quiz organised in celebration of Russian Diplomat’s Day.

#NEWS #SouthAfrica #RussiaSouthAfrica #culture

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BRICS Expert Council—Russia shares BRICS experience with Iranian colleagues

From February 24 to 26, BRICS Expert Council—Russia held its first training seminar in Iran, titled "BRICS: Structure and Cooperation Platforms Workshop". The seminar focused on cooperation between BRICS countries and the key mechanisms of the organisation.

The seminar was organised at the request of the Iranian side by the BRICS Expert Council–Russia, based at HSE University, and the Centre for Progress and Development of Iran Presidency (CPDI), in partnership with Iran's largest technology park, Pardis Technology Park, as well as Shahid Beheshti University, the Iran National Innovation Fund (INIF), and the Iranian International Innovation District (IIID).

The Tehran seminar marked the beginning of a series of training events planned for 2025 as part of the BRICS Think Tanks Council’s activities. During the visit, experts shared their experiences with Iranian colleagues from private companies, ministries, and scientific organisations shaping Iran's technological agenda.

Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia and HSE Vice Rector, gave a lecture on the history of BRICS cooperation and the multipolar world.

"All decisions within the bloc—across any area of cooperation—are made based on consensus. This approach reflects respect for the positions and concerns of each participating party, ensuring equality among all members. This way, national representatives can be confident that the decisions they make truly align with the interests of all involved and that practical work on their implementation will be carried out," said Victoria Panova, highlighting one of #BRICS' fundamental principles.

At the end of the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the BRICS Expert Council–Russia and the Centre for Progress and Development of Iran Presidency.

Over two days, more than 100 participants attended the seminar, which covered key BRICS achievements in trade, economics, finance, science, technology, and innovation.

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#NEWS #HSEUniversity #BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #Iran #RussiaIran

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"How we all see BRICS, it's not something that wants to challenge the system. Often it is presented from outside that BRICS is a challenger. But the point is that BRICS, first of all, is part of the system. And it is not intended to challenge or to break it", noted Victoria Panova during her speech at the Raisina Dialogue 2025.

On March 19, Head of the BRICS Expert Council—Russia, Vice rector at HSE University, and Russian W20 Sherpa Victoria Panova took part in the session "The Decade Ahead: Ideas for #BRICS Presidencies" and Raisina ideas pod "From Cape Town to Capitol Hill", devoted to the South Africa's #G20 Chairship.

The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, who are joined by thought leaders from the private sector, media and academia. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

#NEWS #BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #India #RaisinaDialogue

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More than half of the BRICS population is projected to reside in cities by 2029

The steady population and economic growth within the BRICS countries has fuelled a demand for development and infrastructure investment. As of 2023, the BRICS population had grown by 4% compared to 2016, driven by rising affluence in Brazil, India, South Africa, and China. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, this trend is set to continue, with an additional 2% growth expected by 2029.

BRICS countries also recorded GDP growth of 4% in 2023, with an estimated growth rate of 2.9% by 2029. Simultaneously, urbanisation continues to rise, with more than half of the #BRICS population projected to reside in cities by 2029.

For more insights about the role of the NDB in financing infrastructure, sustainable development, consumption, and production, explore the exclusive report "BRICS Cooperation Progress According to BTTC Indicator System" prepared by the BRICS Expert Council—Russia’s experts and published on the official website.

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertReport #NDB #IMF #investment #finance #economics

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