Meeting of BRICS Heads of Customs Administrations took place in Brazil

From September 18 to 21, a delegation from the Russian Federal Customs Service (FCS), headed by Deputy Head Vladimir Ivin, visited Brazil on a working trip. The key goal of this visit was to participate in a meeting of BRICS Heads of Customs Administrations and to exchange expertise with their Brazilian counterparts.

Members of the Russian delegation took part in expert meetings of #BRICS customs officials, where they discussed key topics including the mutual recognition of AEO programmes, cooperation in law enforcement, digitalisation and smart integration of customs work, and institutional development of customs services.

#NEWS

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Lavrov: BRICS nations account for 40% of global GDP

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov drew attention to the significant share of BRICS countries in global GDP, which has reached 40%, at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

"Even prior to its expansion, the BRICS share in global GDP, measured by purchasing power parity at 40%, had already surpassed that of the G7, which stood at 29%," the minister stated at a meeting taking place on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

Lavrov recalled that the #BRICS Summit in Kazan last October produced concrete proposals for creating a new payment infrastructure and developing independent stock exchange and investment mechanisms, with work also underway on the establishment of an #SCO development bank.

In his assessment, "the steadily growing role and importance of multilateral governance structures like BRICS and the SCO clearly signals the onset of a multipolar world as they represent a model of diplomacy among equals."

#NEWS #summit #economy

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Russia and the UAE signed a memorandum of understanding and technical cooperation in tax administration

Daniil Egorov, the Commissioner of the Federal Tax Service (FTS) of Russia, and Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the UAE's Federal Tax Authority, signed a memorandum of understanding and technical cooperation on the sidelines of a meeting in Manaus which brought together heads and experts of BRICS Tax Administrations.

The parties have identified the following priority areas for cooperation:
⚪Exchanging experience in the digital transformation of tax administration
⚪Developing training programmes
⚪Coordinating work internationally and contributing to the organisation of seminars, sessions, working groups, and working visits related to tax administration

The event also featured presentations on the outcomes of the working groups’ activities. Plans include developing a marketplace for digital solutions (BRICS Tax Collaboration Tool), as well as training courses for employees who directly engage with taxpayers and mid-level managers. According to the Russian FTS, a collection of HR practices and solutions used by BRICS tax authorities will be made publicly available.

The Heads of the #BRICS Tax Administrations also discussed establishing the BRICS Tax Support Network. In addition, the Russian FTS presented a prototype of BRICS Tax Knowledge Hub, an interactive library on taxation across the BRICS countries.

#NEWS #technology

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Palestine submitted application for BRICS membership

Palestine submitted an application for full membership in #BRICS but has not yet received a response. The country intends to continue participating as a guest for the time being, stated Abdel Hafiz Nofal, Palestinian Ambassador to Russia.

"We have submitted an application, but as you know, Palestine has certain conditions. I believe that Palestine will participate in the group as a guest until the conditions allow it to become a full member. We have not yet received a response,” the ambassador remarked in reply to a related question.

#NEWS #Palestine

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Rosatom CEO: BRICS nuclear platform has bright future

The BRICS nuclear platform has a bright future ahead, Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev said at a plenary session during the World Atomic Week in Moscow.

"BRICS is the heart of the emerging multipolar global system. The BRICS nuclear platform has been operational since last year. The BRICS nuclear platform has a bright future," he said.

The heads of the largest specialised companies and organisations from BRICS+ member countries, including Russia, Bolivia, Brazil, Iran, China, Ethiopia, and South Africa, held their first meeting within the framework of the #BRICS nuclear platform created in 2024.

According to Likhachev, the platform's primary objective is to develop and implement best practices and advanced approaches for peaceful energy and non-energy applications of nuclear technologies across BRICS and BRICS+ markets. It also aims to create incentive mechanisms and project implementation models for the nuclear industries of member countries. He emphasised that this partnership would grow alongside the expansion of BRICS itself.

#NEWS #energy #forum

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Lavrov noted the importance of initiatives launched during the Russia and Brazil's Chairship in BRICS

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, at a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, convened on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-level Week, noted the importance of implementing initiatives launched during the Russian and Brazilian chairships.

"Sergey Lavrov underscored the significance of jointly implementing practical initiatives launched during the Russian and Brazilian chairmanships, including the establishment of a new investment platform, the BRICS cross-border payment initiative, depository and clearing infrastructure, a reinsurance mechanism, and a BRICS grain exchange," according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

In accordance with established practice, the meeting of #BRICS foreign ministers was organised by India as the future chair of the bloc.

#NEWS #UN #India

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Rosatom announced the first BRICS strategic document on nuclear energy

The first strategic document of the BRICS platform on nuclear energy was approved during a conference held as part of World Atomic Week.

"At the conference, attended by representatives of participating organisations and partners, interim results were summarised and plans for 2026 were defined. The first strategic document of the #BRICS platform was approved: a concept that defines key areas of work (human resource development, attracting financing for nuclear energy projects, supply chain sustainability, promoting reactor construction and nuclear fuel cycle technologies, ensuring public acceptance of nuclear energy, and others), as well as describing the vectors of the platform's organisational development," the statement said.

The BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform was created to strengthen cooperation at the corporate level aimed at promoting nuclear energy as an environmentally friendly source.

#NEWS #energy

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Congratulations on National Flag Day of the Kingdom of Thailand

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia extends warm congratulations to the people and government of the Kingdom of Thailand on this National Flag Day!

The national flag of Thailand stands as a symbol of independence, national unity, and devotion to the nation’s core values. It reflects the country’s strength and resilience, its rich historical heritage, and its steadfast commitment to progress.

Russia and Thailand share a long-standing friendship and partnership, spanning political dialogue, trade, economic ties, and humanitarian cooperation. We hold these relations in high esteem and are confident they will continue to grow stronger looking ahead.

We wish Thailand enduring peace, prosperity, and every success in pursuing sustainable development and the well-being of its people!

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📖 Word of the Week: China Council for BRICS Think Tank Cooperation

As cooperation within BRICS continues to deepen, the need for intellectual support and knowledge sharing grows more vital. It was with this purpose that the China Council for BRICS Think Tank Cooperation (CCBTC) was founded in 2017, serving as an open platform for dialogue, research, and academic exchange.

⭐ The Council brings together more than 100 Chinese institutions, whose work spans key areas of cooperation: political security, trade and economy, finance, and humanitarian exchange. Leading Chinese universities, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, and Fudan University, among others, act as co-chairs.

🖋️ The CCBTC’s primary objectives include:
✔Сonducting joint research and preparing policy recommendations for BRICS national leaders
✔Building a platform for sharing knowledge and publishing research papers and monographs on BRICS-related topics
✔Supporting academic mobility and engaging Chinese universities and research centres in collaboration with partners from other BRICS countries
✔Organising forums and meetings—including international gatherings—with participation of the expert communities from the BRICS member states

Through these efforts, the China Council for BRICS Think Tank Cooperation plays a crucial role in advancing the #BRICS core values of openness, inclusiveness, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

#wordoftheweek

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In touch with BRICS: news digest

Top highlights from the BRICS world—economy, politics, and more

➖Russian Minister of Internal Affairs calls for strengthening BRICS efforts in the fight against cybercrime

➖BRICS+ Youth Festival in Kazan unites young people from 13 countries

➖Russia launches first BRICS-wide Special Economic Zones Digital Map

➖Kazan proposes establishing a community of schools and students from BRICS+ nations

➖Russia presented IP guide for entrepreneurs in BRICS countries

➖BRICS nations launch international volunteer programme for children in need

➖Meeting of BRICS Heads of Customs Administrations took place in Brazil

➖Russian Foreign Minister noted BRICS nations account for 40% of global GDP

➖Russia and the UAE signed a memorandum of understanding and technical cooperation in tax administration

➖Palestine submitted application for BRICS membership

➖Lavrov noted the importance of initiatives launched during the Russia and Brazil's Chairship in #BRICS

➖Rosatom announced the first BRICS strategic document on nuclear energy

#BRICSExpertCouncilDIGEST

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Expert explained why multipolar world concept resonates with BRICS and SCO

The BRICS+ model most accurately reflects the concept of a multipolar world order, as both models are driven by similar underlying processes, according to Anastasia Likhacheva, Dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University.

"The model that #BRICS+ represents aligns closely with the logic of objective global trends: demographic and economic shifts, economic growth rates, youth demographics, etc. It accurately captures dominant factors across a range of categories and indicators," Likhacheva observed.

The expert also highlighted parallels with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation:

"We see a similar pattern with the SCO—if you look at the initiatives launched at the #SCO Summit in Tianjin, they are quite similar and also emphasise a positive agenda."

#NEWS

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The BRICS Expert Council-Russia team extends warm congratulations to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on his birthday!

Under your leadership, Iran continues to strengthen its international standing with confidence, demonstrating a firm commitment to the ideals of justice, sovereignty, and mutual respect. We deeply value your contribution to fostering constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation within #BRICS.

We wish you good health, energy, and inspiration as you pursue new initiatives that will benefit the people of Iran and deepen the bonds of friendship between our nations!

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South Africa sees BRICS as catalyst for Africa's digital economy

BRICS can play a major role in spreading the digital economy across Africa. This view was expressed by South African Minister of Communications and Digital Technology Solly Malatsi at the #G20 Ministerial Meeting on digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), which opened in Cape Town.

"Africa is interested in expanding high-speed internet connectivity," stated the minister chairing the meeting. "This applies not only within #BRICS member states, but across the entire continent."

According to the latest UN data, 860 million people in Africa—representing 62% of the continent's population—remain without internet access.

#NEWS #SouthAfrica #AI

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💸 🇺🇸 Dollar’s main enemy is the United States itself

🔊 The global movement towards de-dollarization is already well underway, noted economist Paulo Noguera Batista Jr., former Vice President of the BRICS New Development Bank, speaking to Sputnik on the sidelines of the Valdai Club meeting in Sochi.

📍 He pointed to three fundamental flaws undermining the greenback: "The dollar is expensive, the dollar is risky, the US undermines the credibility of the dollar."

👉 BRICS countries are already shifting away from the US dollar, trading in national currencies, and diversifying reserves. Batista stressed that “the main enemy of the dollar is the United States itself, because it has weaponized its own currency.”

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New Development Bank plans to issue its first Indian rupee bond

The New Development Bank (NDB), established by the BRICS nations, is preparing to issue its first series of Indian rupee bonds by the end of March 2026, according to a Reuters report.

NDB Chief Financial Officer Monale Ratsoma stated that the bank is in discussions with the Indian government and regulators about "the possibility of raising capital in local markets to finance Indian projects in local currency."

The bank's previous bond issuances were denominated in Chinese yuan and South African rand. According to Reuters, both China and India are actively working to broaden the international use of their currencies, while a growing number of investors are looking to diversify their assets beyond traditional developed markets.

#NEWS #NDB #India #finance

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Congratulations on the National Flag Day of Nigeria

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia extends heartfelt congratulations to the people and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on this National Flag Day. This emblem of unity, independence, and diversity has inspired Nigerians to strive for progressive development, strengthen state institutions, and pursue ambitious national goals.

As a BRICS partner state, Nigeria plays an essential role in nurturing constructive multipolar dialogue and enhancing cooperation among the nations of the Global South. We deeply appreciate Nigeria's contributions to bolstering economic, trade, and cultural interactions, both within the expanded #BRICS community and beyond. Collaborative efforts in sustainable development, energy, agriculture, and digital technologies open doors for new opportunities for mutually beneficial growth and improved well-being for our peoples.

On this special day, we wish the Nigerian people serene skies, social stability, vibrant economic progress, and the continued growth of their international standing.

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Congratulations on the National Day and National Flag Day of China

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia extends its warmest congratulations to the Chinese people and their leadership on this National Day and National Flag Day of the People's Republic of China. These important anniversaries mark a pivotal moment in history and celebrate China's ongoing progress, modernisation, and growing global role.

As a founding member of #BRICS, China plays a pivotal role in promoting constructive multipolar dialogue and advancing a cooperative platform among the nations of the Global South. We deeply appreciate China's contributions to fostering economic growth, advancing technological innovation, addressing climate challenges, and implementing infrastructure initiatives that open new avenues for mutually beneficial partnership between our countries.

On this festive day, we wish the Chinese people ensuring peace, prosperity, social harmony, and continued success in achieving sustainable development goals.

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: Latin America shows rising interest in BRICS

Latin American nations are showing increasing interest in BRICS, with work advancing rapidly across the group's entire portfolio of initiatives—from crafting a new economic partnership strategy to establishing a grain exchange, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said at the 7th International Forum "Russia and Ibero-America in a Turbulent World: From Shared Challenges to Joint Solutions."

"Interest in BRICS is growing across the Latin American region," the Deputy Minister stated. "Under the Brazilian Chairship, work is progressing dynamically across all BRICS tracks. The economic partnership strategy up to 2030 is being finalised, and the cross-border payment initiative is also moving forward."

The diplomat also confirmed active development of a proposal to create the BRICS Grain Exchange:

"A spirit of creativity and partnership prevails within #BRICS, which stands in growing contrast to the stifling atmosphere that permeates Western leadership blocs," Ryabkov added.

#NEWS #economy

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BRICS banks strengthen ties: cutting international payment costs in 2025

Financial institutions from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are actively deepening connections with Russian banks. This enables businesses to make direct payments without intermediary banks, reducing international transaction costs. Elena Marchuk, Deputy Chair of the Executive Board at Russia's National Savings Bank, highlighted the special role BRICS nations play in this transformation.

"Banks in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are forging closer ties with Russian financial institutions," Marchuk stated. She added that the recent BRICS Summit has reinforced member states' commitment to developing national currency settlements and independent financial communication channels.

According to Marchuk, market evolution will depend on how quickly stable payment corridors can be established within #BRICS and other friendly alliances.

"In the coming years, we'll see direct correspondent relationships between Russian and BRICS banks multiply, while international payment costs will continue to decline," she projected.

#NEWS #finance

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