Leaders of BRICS countries call for joint response to challenges, common development, and prosperity worldwide | BRICS | Countries
Johannesburg, August 23 (Xinhua) - The BRICS Business Forum was held on August 22 at the Thornton Convention and Exhibition Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Leaders of the BRICS countries delivered speeches at the closing ceremony, focusing on common development and prosperity, addressing risks and challenges, and building a better world together.
South African President Ramaphosa, the rotating presidency of the BRICS countries, first delivered a speech. He said that the changes in the economies of the BRICS countries over the past decade have played an important role in changing the global economic landscape, and the BRICS countries have become a powerful engine of global economic growth. However, the impact of a new wave of protectionism and subsequent unilateral measures has undermined global economic growth and development. He called on the business community to work together to find solutions and address various challenges. Ramaphosa also stated that Africa is a continent full of enormous opportunities in the industrialization process in various fields, and can strengthen cooperation with BRICS countries in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, new energy, and digital economy.
Brazilian President Lula stated that the total economic output of BRICS countries accounts for a quarter of the global total, and this importance will further increase with the expansion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism. He quoted the International Monetary Fund's forecast that the economic growth rate of industrialized countries will slow down from 2.7% in 2022 to 1.4% in 2024, while the expected growth rate for developing countries this year is 4%, indicating that economic vitality is driving the BRICS countries in the southern hemisphere.
Russian President Putin delivered a speech via video on the same day. He said that the comprehensive partnership and collaboration among the BRICS countries have not only made significant contributions to ensuring the sustainable development of the BRICS countries, but overall, they have also contributed to improving the world economic situation, achieving the global development goals set by the United Nations, as well as eradicating poverty, hunger, and strengthening food security. Putin expressed his belief that the BRICS Business Forum and the BRICS Business Council will continue to carry out creative work, deepen business contacts among the five countries, and jointly implement new mutually beneficial projects.
Indian Prime Minister Modi said that at the first meeting of BRICS leaders in 2009, the world was working hard to overcome the financial crisis, and the emergence of BRICS cooperation mechanisms brought a glimmer of hope to the global economy. At present, the world is still coping with the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 epidemic, tensions and disputes, and BRICS countries can play an important role again. By combining their strengths, BRICS countries can make significant contributions to the well-being of the entire world, especially the "global South".