Hey everyone! Big news is on the horizon as the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sets the stage for the group’s major upgrade into BRICS+. This expanded lineup now features 11 members and 10 partner countries, marking a fresh chapter for global trade and cooperation. 🚀
Originally, BRICS kicked off in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and the Chinese mainland, with South Africa joining later. But from 2024 to 2025, six new members—Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—joined the fold, evolving the bloc into BRICS+. And that’s not all: the new partner category, launched at the Kazan Summit in 2024, now includes countries like Bolivia, Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. 🎉
This expansion isn’t just about numbers—it’s about rewriting the global economic playbook. With over 40% of the world’s population, oil production, and trade now in the mix, the move boosts intra-group trade and diversifies supply chains. For tech-savvy young professionals and early entrepreneurs in South and Southeast Asia, this means more opportunities to tap into emerging markets and innovative growth strategies. 💡
Even without formal trade agreements, BRICS has ramped up intra-group trade at a remarkable pace, proving that robust South-South cooperation can drive economic development and reduce reliance on traditional markets. This structural shift in global dynamics is reshaping how developing nations collaborate, paving the way for fresh, dynamic opportunities in our interconnected world. 🌟
Stay tuned as BRICS+ continues to carve out a new path for the Global South—bringing new energy, technological synergy, and a more balanced global market. It’s an exciting time to innovate, connect, and grow together!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
