BRICS strengthens with nine new partner countries

Recently, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has reached a new milestone. Russian presidential aide Ushakov announced that Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, Uganda, Malaysia and Uzbekistan will officially become BRICS partner countries on January 1, 2025. This news has attracted widespread attention in the international community, marking that the strength of the BRICS cooperation mechanism has been strengthened again.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism originated in 2006 and was

originally composed of four emerging market countries: Brazil, Russia, India and China. The word “BRIC” composed of the English initials of these four countries is pronounced very similar to the English word “brick”, so it is called the “BRIC”. In 2011, South Africa joined, expanding the BRICS cooperation mechanism to the “BRICS”. Since then, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to deepen and develop into a new international cooperation platform, becoming an important force in the international community.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism has always been adhering to the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, and is committed to strengthening economic, political and cultural ties between countries and promoting the healthy development of globalization. This mechanism not only provides a platform for common development for member countries, but also has a positive impact on the international community. Data shows that the total economic output of BRICS countries accounts for about 25% of the world, and the total trade volume accounts for about 18% of the world. In recent years, the contribution rate to world economic growth has reached 50%.

China has played an important role in the development of the BRICS cooperation mechanism. Since 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping has hosted or attended the BRICS leaders’ meetings many times and delivered important speeches to promote the construction, development and expansion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism. In particular, in 2014, the BRICS Development Bank was established in Shanghai, becoming a symbol of the unity and cooperation of the BRICS countries. This bank provides financing support for the development of many fields such as infrastructure construction, clean energy, environmental protection, digital infrastructure, etc. in BRICS countries, demonstrating the huge potential of the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

In recent years, the attractiveness and influence of the BRICS cooperation mechanism have been continuously enhanced. In August 2023, the 15th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, and it was decided to expand the BRICS. On January 1, 2024, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia officially became members of the BRICS. The addition of nine more partner countries is an important step in the development of the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

These nine new partner countries have their own characteristics, rich resources and huge development potential. For example, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are important countries in Central Asia, with rich oil and natural gas resources; Indonesia and Malaysia are economic powers in Southeast Asia, with strong manufacturing and export capabilities; Thailand is a transportation hub and tourist destination in Southeast Asia, with huge market potential. The participation of these countries will further enhance the representativeness and influence of the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

The attractiveness of the BRICS cooperation mechanism is not only reflected in its economic potential, but also in its open and inclusive cooperation concept. Unlike some countries that are keen on forming “small circles”, the BRICS cooperation mechanism advocates an equal, fair and win-win cooperation attitude, allowing member countries to participate in global cooperation construction with equal status and fair treatment. This cooperation concept is very attractive to the vast number of emerging economies, making more and more countries want to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

In fact, in recent years, many countries have expressed their willingness to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism. For example, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Malaysia and other countries have publicly expressed their desire to join the BRICS. At the Kazan Summit, Russian President Putin revealed that more than 30 countries have expressed their desire to join the BRICS in some form. This fully demonstrates that the attractiveness and influence of the BRICS cooperation mechanism are constantly increasing.

The expansion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism has not only enhanced its representativeness and influence, but also brought more development opportunities to its member countries. By joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism, these countries will be able to carry out closer economic, political and cultural cooperation with other member countries, jointly respond to global challenges and achieve common development.

The expansion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism also reflects the international community’s expectations for the solidarity and cooperation of emerging market countries and developing countries. In the current complex and changing international situation, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become an important platform for promoting solidarity and cooperation in the “global South”. By strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries, it can promote emerging market countries and developing countries to play a greater role in international affairs and contribute to building a more just and reasonable international order.

As the BRICS cooperation mechanism continues to grow, more and more countries are turning their attention to this platform. It can be foreseen that in the future, the BRICS cooperation mechanism will continue to play an important role and bring more development opportunities and cooperation results to member countries and the international community.