Businessmen from BRICS countries gathered in Moscow on Friday to discuss economic growth at the BRICS Business Forum, one of the group’s final meetings before a major summit in the Russian city of Kazan next week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the plenary session of the meeting. Representatives of several other BRICS countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia and Egypt, spoke at the event via video link.
Speaking at the event, Putin pointed out that the BRICS countries’ GDP was around $63 trillion last year, accounting for about 37.4 percent of global GDP, higher than the G7’s 29.3 percent. Countries. He predicted that “the gap will inevitably widen.”
Putin also spoke about the role of BRICS in the global economy and the organization’s goals.
“The work of the BRICS is not directed against anyone. It is aimed only at one general task – the sustainable development and prosperity of our countries and peoples,” Putin said.
This message was welcomed by the participants of the business forum, who see many opportunities for their companies in the BRICS countries, especially in the area of infrastructure development.
“The opportunities for South Africa and the African continent presented by the BRICS are absolutely enormous. South Africa has already seen growth in trade due to its presence in the BRICS countries,” said Busi Mabuza, chair of the South Africa branch of the BRICS Business Council.
“Egypt has so many projects in Africa. Therefore, cooperation with the BRICS member states on infrastructure projects with Egyptian companies is a win-win for both sides. Egypt imports 50 percent of its food and BRICS countries are one of the main suppliers,” said Alaa Ezz, secretary general of the Association of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Putin said on Friday at a press conference for media representatives from the BRICS countries that Russian-Chinese relations were based on mutual respect. This is not just a consensus in the cooperation between the two countries, but is also reflected in real actions.
The 16th BRICS Summit, the first after BRICS expansion, will take place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24.
