Expert claims BRICS is becoming more appealing to the Global South
An expert noted that BRICS has become increasingly attractive to numerous countries, especially in the Global South, by providing them with tangible benefits as its influence grows.
TroibNews 
BRICS has attracted significant attention from many countries, especially in the Global South, by providing concrete benefits as its influence grows, according to a South African expert.
Zukiswa Roboji, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, shared these insights during a recent interview with Xinhua in advance of the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
"BRICS has undoubtedly made notable strides in recent years," said Roboji. "One of the most significant achievements is expanding the group to include more nations, showcasing its growing appeal and relevance in a shifting geopolitical landscape."
She highlighted that the BRICS mechanism facilitates easier access to financial resources and improved trade, investment, and development opportunities for emerging economies.
Roboji pointed out that the New Development Bank has financed crucial infrastructure projects in the Global South, addressing urgent development challenges. According to her, this support empowers these nations by providing them with essential funding while allowing greater autonomy over their development trajectories.
The movement towards multipolarity represented by BRICS attracts countries looking to diversify their international relations and lessen dependence on Western powers, Roboji noted.
"BRICS's commitment to multilateralism and global governance reform aligns with the interests of emerging economies aiming to have a stronger voice in international decision-making," she explained.
"Additionally, BRICS focuses on cooperation in technology, energy and climate change, making it an attractive partner for countries seeking sustainable growth while addressing global challenges," she added.
Roboji expressed that as the group expands, "its potential to reshape global economic and political dynamics continues to draw interest from nations looking for strategic alignment beyond the traditional power centers."
In this context, she emphasized that BRICS has become an increasingly vital platform for countries in the Global South.
The bloc has progressively reached out to African nations to foster investments and partnerships in key sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology, she mentioned.
Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank, also commented on the economic strength of BRICS, stating, "Measured by GDP, the BRICS countries have already surpassed the G7 in importance."
Rousseff explained that the BRICS nations recognize the importance of having effective mechanisms and instruments for emerging and developing countries, leading to the establishment of the NDB and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
During the bloc's sixth summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, in July 2014, leaders from the original five countries witnessed the signing of the Agreement on the New Development Bank.
She elaborated that the NDB aims to ensure crucial investments in infrastructure, encompassing logistics, digital infrastructure, social facilities such as schools and universities, as well as in science, technology, innovation, and health.
Furthermore, Rousseff stated that the NDB serves as a significant platform for international cooperation that transcends territorial boundaries, amplifying both the voices of BRICS countries and the shared aspirations of other nations.
The NDB, headquartered in Shanghai, was established jointly by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in 2014 to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS member countries and other emerging markets and developing nations.
In 2021, the bank expanded its membership, welcoming Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Egypt.
Since its inception, the NDB has invested nearly $35 billion in categories such as clean energy, energy efficiency, transportation infrastructure, water resources, sanitation, and digital infrastructure, playing a crucial role in enhancing global economic governance.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
Zukiswa Roboji, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, shared these insights during a recent interview with Xinhua in advance of the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
"BRICS has undoubtedly made notable strides in recent years," said Roboji. "One of the most significant achievements is expanding the group to include more nations, showcasing its growing appeal and relevance in a shifting geopolitical landscape."
She highlighted that the BRICS mechanism facilitates easier access to financial resources and improved trade, investment, and development opportunities for emerging economies.
Roboji pointed out that the New Development Bank has financed crucial infrastructure projects in the Global South, addressing urgent development challenges. According to her, this support empowers these nations by providing them with essential funding while allowing greater autonomy over their development trajectories.
The movement towards multipolarity represented by BRICS attracts countries looking to diversify their international relations and lessen dependence on Western powers, Roboji noted.
"BRICS's commitment to multilateralism and global governance reform aligns with the interests of emerging economies aiming to have a stronger voice in international decision-making," she explained.
"Additionally, BRICS focuses on cooperation in technology, energy and climate change, making it an attractive partner for countries seeking sustainable growth while addressing global challenges," she added.
Roboji expressed that as the group expands, "its potential to reshape global economic and political dynamics continues to draw interest from nations looking for strategic alignment beyond the traditional power centers."
In this context, she emphasized that BRICS has become an increasingly vital platform for countries in the Global South.
The bloc has progressively reached out to African nations to foster investments and partnerships in key sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology, she mentioned.
Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank, also commented on the economic strength of BRICS, stating, "Measured by GDP, the BRICS countries have already surpassed the G7 in importance."
Rousseff explained that the BRICS nations recognize the importance of having effective mechanisms and instruments for emerging and developing countries, leading to the establishment of the NDB and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
During the bloc's sixth summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, in July 2014, leaders from the original five countries witnessed the signing of the Agreement on the New Development Bank.
She elaborated that the NDB aims to ensure crucial investments in infrastructure, encompassing logistics, digital infrastructure, social facilities such as schools and universities, as well as in science, technology, innovation, and health.
Furthermore, Rousseff stated that the NDB serves as a significant platform for international cooperation that transcends territorial boundaries, amplifying both the voices of BRICS countries and the shared aspirations of other nations.
The NDB, headquartered in Shanghai, was established jointly by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in 2014 to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS member countries and other emerging markets and developing nations.
In 2021, the bank expanded its membership, welcoming Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Egypt.
Since its inception, the NDB has invested nearly $35 billion in categories such as clean energy, energy efficiency, transportation infrastructure, water resources, sanitation, and digital infrastructure, playing a crucial role in enhancing global economic governance.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
