JOHANNESBURG, Aug.24 – On Aug. 22, the 15th BRICS Summit kicked off in Johannesburg, South Africa. The theme of this year’s event is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.”
“The meeting held from August 22 to 24 is very important, and key decisions are expected to be made. I think the most essential thing that will be discussed at the summit is the expansion of BRICS. So far many countries have shown their interest in joining, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia and Argentina. The criteria for this should also be confirmed,” said Amjad Zarin, associate Professor at Riphah International University, Islamabad. BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. As an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, BRICS is an open and inclusive mechanism. More and more countries have applied to join BRICS and hope to join BRICS cooperation.
“We were invited and became BRICS member in 2010, which makes us the first beneficiary of BRICS expansion, and we are fully aware of its benefits,” said H.E.Dr.Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, South African ambassador to China. After joining BRICS, South Africa’s trade with other BRICS countries has increased significantly compared with its previous trade, especially with China, which has increased exponentially. “China was one of South Africa’s trading partners before 2009, but not the largest. After South Africa joined BRICS, China became South Africa’s largest trading partner for years.”
“The BRICS countries represent almost 41 percent of the world’s population. It is a big market in the world,” analyzed Muhammad Karim Ahmed, program manager of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation(PBC), who is also the author of Pakistan China Relationship and China Development. “These BRICS countries are emerging economies and they have improved their country, improved their economic conditions, improved their manufacturing, and found markets for themselves through joining BRICS. In any case, being a BRICS member would be very fortunate for Pakistan.”
“About 40 countries are participating in this year’s BRICS summit, while the name of Pakistan has not appeared anywhere.” Muhammad Karim Ahmed pointed out that the biggest problem banning Pakistan from joining BRICS is its economic problems. “The agreement that Pakistan has with the IMF also caused great difficulties. The economies of the BRICS countries are all quite stable. Until Pakistan improves its economic conditions, BRICS membership may be difficult.” He stressed.
“There are opportunities attached to BRICS expansion, and a huge market will be availed for BRICS members. If the BRICS countries decide on any SOPs, it will also benefit Pakistan. As Pakistan has easy access to China, India and Russia by road and by sea, it has advantages to join the group and build more connections with the members. The economic problems may make it difficult for Pakistan to join BRICS at this time, but we hope that in the future, Pakistan will be a part of the group.” Muhammad Karim Ahmed added.
