BRICS Meet In China For 9Th Summit

BRICS, the world 5 big emerging economies which are believed to be at the same phase of newly industrialized advanced economic development, met in Xiamen, China early last month (3rd – 5th September) for their 9th annual submit. The three-day historical international relations conference was attended by heads of states and diplomats from the five BRICS member countries: Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa. BRICS, formerly BRIC (before South Africa joined in 2010), aims at establishing an equitable, democratic and multi-polar world order under its motto “Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future.” The annual summit normally intends to discuss issues regarding trade and economy, removal of discontinuities and discrimination existing along their national frontiers, and any other issues of concern among them though recently they have become a political organization. The objective of this year’s summit was to review successes in BRICS cooperation, plan a vision for future development, specify the direction of the BRICS mechanism and expand cooperation, including with emerging markets and developing countries to forge a platform for South-South cooperation with International influence. The main agenda discussed at the BRICS summit include terrorism, boost of commercial ties, enhancement of cooperation, and dialogue about emerging markets and developing countries. The BRICS countries signed three documents, namely, (1) Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020), (2) Strategic Framework of BRICS Customs Cooperation, and (3) Memorandum of Understanding between the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation, linked to boost commercial ties. On the need to enhance cooperation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his country’s concern in furthering cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, sports and culture to eradicate poverty, ensure better healthcare, food security, sanitation and education. However, border tensions between China and India were not discussed by the bloc, although leaders of

the two countries are expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit. Five other non-member countries have been invited to attend the summit. These countries are Guinea, Mexico, Thailand, Tajikistan, and Egypt. The BRICS nations and their guests engage in a dialogue about emerging markets and developing countries in which issues include counter terrorism, cyber security, multilateral trade system, fight against protectionism and disaster management.

By Santino Mawut

Year South Africa joined BRICS