NTT DATA Joins the World Business Council For Sustainable Development
Joe Phelan, Executive Director, Asia Pacific, WBCSD, commented: "We are delighted to welcome NTT DATA to WBCSD. Their leadership in technology and sustainability aligns with our mission to driver systems transformation for a net-zero, nature-positive and equitable future. We look forward to their contributions across climate, nature and circularity, and to the collaboration ahead as we focus on action, impact and creating business value."
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Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Russia's Economic Resilience: The Role of China, BRICS, and Strategic Partnerships in Sanctions Evasion
Dr. Gil Feiler Introduction Despite facing unprecedented Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience. This resilience stems not merely from domestic adaptations but significantly from strategic partnerships with China, BRICS nations, and other sympathetic countries that have provided crucial economic lifelines. While Russia's economy has indeed faced challenges, including inflation, currency volatility, and restricted access to Western technology and markets, it has managed to maintain functionality through diversified trade relationships and sanctions circumvention mechanisms. The transformation of Russia's economic partnerships represents a fundamental shift in global trade patterns, with implications extending far beyond bilateral relationships. This article examines the multifaceted assistance Russia receives from China and BRICS countries, analyzes the factors contributing to Russian economic resilience, and provides forecasts for the sustainability of these trends. China: Russia's Primary Economic Lifeline Trade Volume and Growth Patterns Trade between China and Russia reached a record high last year in 2024, underscoring their deepening economic partnership despite Western sanctions. China's exports to Russia totaled US$115.28 billion during 2024, while China's imports from Russia reached US$129.88 billion, representing China's position as Russia's largest trading partner. However, recent August 2025 data reveals significant volatility in this relationship. Trade between Russia and China fell 9.1% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, totaling $106.48 billion. Despite this decline, overall trade remains substantial, though below 2024 levels, as China continues to sustain Russia's economy and war effort. This decline reflects multiple pressures including renewed concerns following the US Treasury's December 2023 announcement of potential secondary sanctions on entities assisting Russia's military-industrial base. The trade relationship shows unprecedented levels reflecting deepening economic ties amid shifting global geopolitics, growing from over $140 billion in 2021 to about $190 billion in 2022. Energy Cooperation and Strategic Imports China's assistance to Russia extends far beyond conventional trade relationships. The energy sector represents a cornerstone of their cooperation, with China becoming increasingly dependent on Russian oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Ambassador Zhang Hanhui stated that China plans to increase its imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) this year. He added that there is an increased demand from Chinese buyers. This commitment provides Russia with guaranteed revenue streams and helps offset losses from European market restrictions. The planned Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline, designed to transport fifty billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Siberia to China, represents a long-term strategic commitment that ensures Russia's energy export capabilities remain viable despite Western sanctions. Technology Transfer and Sanctions Circumvention Despite falling oil and car shipments dragging down headline trade figures, China remains central to sustaining Russia's economy and war effort in 2025. Russia's ability to sustain its war effort against Ukraine depends largely on Chinese support, especially in evading sanctions and accessing critical technology. Dual-use shipments from China to Russia exceeded USD 4 billion in 2024, showing the sophistication of this relationship. Exports fell sharply after February 2022 amid sanctions concerns, yet quickly recovered throughout 2022 and 2023. A renewed decline occurred following US Treasury's December 2023 secondary sanctions announcement, but Chinese exports rebounded in the second half of 2024, suggesting successful adjustments to circumvent restrictions. Chinese companies continue serving as crucial intermediaries, facilitating transactions and providing alternative supply chains for Russian businesses. However, this relationship involves calculated risks, as China remains cautious about transactions that might expose Chinese businesses to secondary sanctions. BRICS and Expanded Partnerships Evolution and Expansion of BRICS The BRICS bloc has experienced dramatic expansion, evolving from its original five members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to become a 20-country organization comprising 10 full members and 10 partner countries as of 2025. This expansion now includes Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and most recently Vietnam as a partner country in July 2025, with Nigeria joining the partnership in January 2025. This expanded BRICS+ now represents extraordinary global influence: 44% of world GDP at purchasing power parity, 56% of the world's population, and 25% of the world's landmass. BRICS accounts for 40% of existing internet users and has over 1200 satellites in orbit. Intra-BRICS trade reached US$614.8 billion as of 2022, providing Russia with multiple partnership opportunities and alternative economic frameworks outside Western-dominated systems. India's Strategic Balancing Act India represents a particularly interesting case within BRICS regarding Russian relations. Russia remains India's most prominent defence supplier, accounting for 36 percent of total arms imports in 2023. Despite pressure from Western allies, India has maintained its defense cooperation with Russia while significantly increasing oil imports at discounted rates. India's position reflects broader BRICS sentiment toward sanctions, where Most BRICS members have sought a middle ground, while other members have largely ignored Western sanctions. This middle-ground approach provides Russia with continued access to Indian markets while allowing India to maintain strategic autonomy. Brazil and South Africa's Measured Approach Brazil and South Africa have adopted more cautious positions, balancing their BRICS commitments with Western relationships. However, both countries have refrained from implementing unilateral sanctions against Russia and continue trade relationships within legal frameworks. Their positions demonstrate that even measured support from BRICS members provides Russia with economic breathing room. Iran and Sanctions-Evading Expertise Iran's inclusion in BRICS brings particular value to Russia, given Iran's decades of experience operating under international sanctions. The two countries have developed sophisticated mechanisms for sanctions evasion, including barter trade systems, alternative payment mechanisms, and joint technology development programs. Iran's expertise in maintaining economic functionality under sanctions provides a valuable blueprint for Russian adaptation strategies. Beyond BRICS: Additional Support Networks Middle Eastern Partnerships Several Middle Eastern countries have emerged as crucial partners for Russia. The United Arab Emirates has become a significant transshipment hub for Russian goods, while Saudi Arabia has coordinated with Russia through OPEC+ to maintain oil price stability. These partnerships provide Russia with alternative market access and financial mechanisms outside Western oversight. Central Asian and Former Soviet Republics Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other former Soviet republics have maintained economic ties with Russia despite international pressure. These countries serve as intermediaries for trade flows and provide land-based transportation routes that bypass maritime restrictions. Their continued cooperation reflects both geographical necessity and historical economic integration. Turkey's Strategic Position Turkey has played a particularly important role as a NATO member that has maintained economic ties with Russia. Turkish businesses have served as intermediaries for various transactions, and Turkey's unique position allows it to facilitate trade flows while maintaining relationships with both Russia and Western allies. Factors Behind Russia's Economic Resilience Domestic Adaptations and Import Substitution Russia's economic resilience stems from multiple factors beyond external assistance. The country has accelerated import substitution programs, developing domestic capabilities in previously import-dependent sectors. Government-led initiatives have prioritized food security, pharmaceutical production, and basic manufacturing, reducing dependence on Western suppliers. Currency and Financial System Adaptations Russia has successfully adapted its financial systems to operate with reduced access to Western banking networks. The development of alternative payment systems, increased use of national currencies in bilateral trade, and expansion of gold and cryptocurrency reserves have provided financial flexibility. The Russian ruble, while experiencing volatility, has demonstrated surprising stability compared to initial post-sanctions predictions. Resource Wealth and Geographical Advantages Russia's vast natural resources provide inherent economic advantages that sanctions cannot easily eliminate. The country's position as a major supplier of energy, metals, and agricultural products ensures continued demand from countries unwilling or unable to source alternatives. Geographical proximity to Asian markets has become increasingly valuable as trade patterns shift eastward. Authoritarian Economic Management Russia's centralized political system has enabled rapid economic policy adjustments and resource reallocation. The government's ability to direct economic activity, control information flows, and mandate corporate behavior has facilitated adaptation to sanctions pressures more quickly than might be possible in more decentralized economies. Challenges and Vulnerabilities Technology Gap and Innovation Constraints Despite partnership assistance, Russia faces growing technology gaps in advanced semiconductors, sophisticated manufacturing equipment, and cutting-edge software. These limitations increasingly constrain productivity growth and technological competitiveness, creating long-term vulnerabilities that partnership arrangements cannot fully address. Demographic and Labor Market Pressures Military mobilization and emigration have created labor shortages in key sectors, while demographic decline poses long-term economic challenges. These internal pressures may limit Russia's ability to fully capitalize on alternative partnership opportunities. Financial System Limitations and War Costs While Russia has developed alternative payment mechanisms, the exclusion from major international financial networks creates ongoing costs and inefficiencies. Direct financial expenditure for waging the war was estimated at US$250 billion through June 2024, rising to over 20% of annual GDP. Additionally, Russia employed an off-budget financing mechanism with over US$200 billion from preferential bank loans made to defense contractors, compelled by the Russian government. The development of parallel financial systems requires significant resources and may limit transaction volumes compared to established networks. Russia's GDP is projected to remain relatively stable at $1.6 trillion by the end of 2025, but defense and security spending now accounts for a substantial portion of government expenditure, constraining other economic priorities. Future Forecast and Sustainability Analysis Short-term Outlook (2025-2027) The current pattern of China-BRICS assistance to Russia is likely to continue in the short term, though with some modifications. China's recent trade volume decline may represent a 'new normal' of more cautious but sustained engagement. BRICS expansion will provide Russia with additional partnership opportunities, though these may develop gradually as new members establish operational frameworks. The sustainability of current assistance levels depends heavily on three factors: the evolution of secondary sanctions enforcement by Western countries, China's assessment of costs versus benefits in supporting Russia, and the broader geopolitical climate including potential changes in the Ukraine conflict. Medium-term Trajectory (2027-2030) Medium-term sustainability faces greater uncertainties. Russia's partnerships provide current stability but may prove insufficient for long-term growth and technological advancement. The country risks falling further behind in technological innovation, potentially making it a less valuable partner for countries like China that prioritize technological leadership. However, if current partnerships deepen and institutionalize through formal agreements, alternative payment systems, and joint development projects, Russia could establish a more permanent alternative economic framework. The success of BRICS initiatives for alternative financial systems and de-dollarization efforts will significantly influence this trajectory. Long-term Implications (2030 and Beyond) Long-term sustainability depends on fundamental questions about global economic architecture. If BRICS countries successfully create alternative international institutions and payment systems, Russia could maintain economic functionality indefinitely outside Western-dominated frameworks. However, if technological gaps widen and partnership countries prioritize relationships with Western economies, Russia's position could become increasingly precarious. The demographic challenges facing Russia pose particular long-term concerns that external partnerships cannot easily address. Economic partnerships can provide trade opportunities and financial assistance, but they cannot resolve fundamental domestic constraints on growth and development. Conclusion Russia's economic resilience despite unprecedented Western sanctions demonstrates the effectiveness of strategic partnerships with China, BRICS nations, and other sympathetic countries. These relationships have provided crucial assistance through increased trade volumes, sanctions circumvention mechanisms, alternative financial frameworks, and technology transfers. China's role as Russia's primary economic partner has been particularly vital, though recent trade volume fluctuations suggest this relationship may be entering a more cautious phase. The expansion of BRICS and the development of alternative economic institutions provide Russia with growing opportunities to maintain economic functionality outside Western-dominated systems. Countries like India, Iran, and various Middle Eastern partners have contributed to Russia's sanctions resilience through continued trade relationships and specialized expertise in operating under international restrictions. However, this resilience faces significant challenges. Technology gaps, demographic pressures, and financial system limitations create vulnerabilities that external partnerships cannot fully address. The sustainability of current assistance patterns depends on evolving geopolitical circumstances, secondary sanctions enforcement, and the long-term strategic calculations of partner countries. The forecast suggests continued but potentially modified support in the short term, with medium and long-term sustainability depending on the success of alternative international institutions and Russia's ability to address domestic economic constraints. While Russia has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, the ultimate test of its economic resilience will be whether current partnership arrangements can support not just survival, but sustainable growth and technological advancement in an increasingly complex global environment. The Russian case illustrates both the possibilities and limitations of alternative economic partnerships in challenging established international systems. As this economic experiment continues, its outcomes will have profound implications for global trade patterns, international institutions, and the future architecture of the world economy.
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Ajman Bank partners with Expleo to establish a testing centre of excellence
Expleo, the global engineering, technology and consulting services provider, announces a strategic partnership with Ajman Bank, a leading Islamic financial institution in the UAE, to establish a testing centre of excellence (TCoE). The initiative is a strategic move to strengthen the bank's promising position in the region's evolving financial TCoE is positioned as a centralised hub supporting Ajman Bank in building robust, enterprise-wide financial applications and enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining agility, compliance with Shariah principles, and ensuring an unmatched customer tailored solution for Ajman BankExpleo will deliver a comprehensive, phased solution built on its proven digital assurance capabilities. The engagement will include:• Devising a structured roadmap covering setup, transition, stabilisation, and operation phases• Focused goals in test automation, process optimisation, environment management, and governance• Delivering digital, data, omni channel, mobile and automation capabilities to ensure quality and speed to marketMustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO, Ajman Bank, stated: 'Our goal is to build a best-in-class technology ecosystem that supports our vision of being a customer-centric, innovation-led bank. Our partnership with Exleo Solutions will not only elevate our software quality and delivery performance but also reinforce our ability to offer faster, safer, and smarter digital banking experiences.'Phani Tangirala, MD & CEO, Expleo Solutions Limited, commented, "We are proud to partner with Ajman Bank in building a future-ready digital ecosystem. Our solution is designed to empower Ajman Bank with the agility, governance, and innovation needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital Al Shamsi, COO, Ajman Bank, added: 'The establishment of the Testing Centre of Excellence is a strategic step in our operational evolution. It will play a pivotal role in embedding a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across our digital delivery ecosystem. By adopting best-in-class testing methodologies and frameworks through our partnership with Expleo, we are enhancing our ability to proactively manage risks, reduce time-to-market, and ensure that every product we launch meets the highest standards of performance, security, and customer satisfaction.'Mamoun Alhomssey, CTO, Ajman Bank, commented, "By embedding quality into every stage of development and delivery, we are solidifying our long-term commitment to technological excellence. Expleo's deep understanding of digital banking in the Middle East makes them an ideal partner in our transformation journey.'Looking ahead - AI assurance for improved intelligence and customer experience. Ajman Bank and Expleo are exploring future initiatives beyond the TCoE, including AI assurance frameworks, predictive analytics for proactive quality management, cloud-native environments to support scalable, on-demand testing and continuous training and upskilling programs to strengthen its expertise.
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- Al Bawaba
NTT DATA Partners with Google Cloud to Accelerate Agentic AI Adoption and Cloud Modernization for Enterprises Globally
NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, today announced a global partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate AI-powered cloud innovations and unlock new possibilities with AI for enterprise organizations across industries. This collaboration combines NTT DATA's deep industry expertise in AI, cloud-native modernization and data engineering with Google Cloud's advanced analytics, AI and cloud technologies to deliver tailored, scalable enterprise a focus on co-innovation, the partnership will drive industry-specific cloud and AI solutions, leveraging NTT DATA's proven frameworks and best practices along with Google Cloud's capabilities to deliver customized solutions backed by deep implementation expertise. Significant joint go-to-market investments will support seamless adoption across key to Gartner®, worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is forecast to reach $723 billion in 2025, up from $595.7 billion in 2024. The use of AI deployments in IT and business operations is accelerating the reliance on modern cloud infrastructure, highlighting the critical importance of this strategic global partnership. "This collaboration with Google Cloud represents a significant milestone in our mission to drive innovation and digital transformation across industries,' said Marv Mouchawar, Head of Global Innovation, NTT DATA. 'By combining NTT DATA's deep expertise in AI, cloud-native modernization and enterprise solutions with Google Cloud's advanced technologies, we are helping businesses accelerate their AI-powered cloud adoption globally and unlock new opportunities for growth.'"Our partnership with NTT DATA will help enterprises use agentic AI to enhance business processes and solve complex industry challenges,' said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem at Google Cloud. 'By combining Google Cloud's AI with NTT DATA's implementation expertise, we will enable customers to deploy intelligent agents that modernize operations and deliver significant value for their organizations."Driving AI innovation across industries NTT DATA will leverage Google Cloud technology to develop several industry-specific AI and cloud solutions, accelerating enterprise transformation across sectors including banking, insurance, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, life sciences and the public sector. For example, in financial services, this collaboration will support regulatory compliance and reporting through NTT DATA solutions like Regla, which leverage Google Cloud's scalable AI infrastructure. In hospitality, NTT DATA's Virtual Travel Concierge enhances customer experience and drives sales with 24x7 multilingual support, real-time itinerary planning and intelligent travel recommendations. It uses the capabilities of Google's Gemini models to drive personalization across more than 3 million monthly focus areas include:● Industry-specific agentic AI solutions: NTT DATA will build new industry solutions that transform analytics, decision-making and client experiences using Google Agentspace, Google's Gemini models, secure data clean rooms and modernized data platforms. ● AI-driven cloud modernization: Accelerating enterprise modernization with Google Distributed Cloud for secure, scalable modernization built and managed on NTT DATA's global infrastructure, from data centers to edge to cloud. ● Next-generation application and security modernization: Strengthening enterprise agility and resilience through mainframe modernization, DevOps, observability, API management, cybersecurity frameworks and SAP on Google Cloud. ● Sovereign cloud innovation: Delivering secure, compliant solutions through Google Distributed Cloud in both air-gapped and connected deployments. Air-gapped environments operate offline for maximum data isolation. Connected deployments enable secure integration with cloud services. These scenarios meet data sovereignty and regulatory demands in sectors such as finance, government and healthcare without compromising innovation.● Google Distributed Cloud sandbox environment: Google Distributed Cloud sandbox environment is a digital playground where developers can build, test and deploy industry-specific and sovereign cloud deployments. This sandbox will help teams upskill through hands-on training and accelerate time to market with Google Distributed Cloud technologies through preconfigured, ready-to-deploy templates. NTT DATA will support these innovations through a full-stack suite of services including advisory, building, implementation and ongoing hosting and managed services. By combining NTT DATA's proven blueprints and delivery expertise with Google Cloud's technology, the partnership will accelerate the development of repeatable, scalable solutions for enterprise transformation. At the heart of this innovation strategy is Takumi, NTT DATA's GenAI framework that guides clients from ideation to enterprise-wide deployment. Takumi integrates seamlessly with Google Cloud's AI stack, enabling rapid prototyping and operationalization of GenAI use initiative expands NTT DATA's Smart AI Agent Ecosystem, which unites strategic technology partnerships, specialized assets and an AI-ready talent engine to help clients deploy and manage responsible, business-driven AI at scale. Accelerating global delivery with a dedicated Google Cloud Business GroupTo achieve excellence, NTT DATA has established a dedicated global Google Cloud Business Group comprising thousands of engineers, architects and advisory consultants. This global team at NTT DATA will work in close collaboration with Google Cloud teams to help clients adopt and scale AI-powered cloud technologies. NTT DATA is also investing in advanced training and certification programs ensuring teams across sales, pre-sales and delivery are equipped to sell, secure, migrate and implement AI-powered cloud solutions. The company aims to certify 5,000 engineers in Google Cloud technology, further reinforcing its role as a leader in cloud transformation on a global both companies are co-investing in global sales and go-to-market campaigns to accelerate client adoption across priority industries. By aligning technical, sales and marketing expertise, the companies aim to scale transformative solutions efficiently across global markets. Building on strategic momentumThis global partnership builds on NTT DATA and Google Cloud's 2024 co-innovation agreement in APAC. In addition it further strengthens NTT DATA's acquisition of Niveus Solutions, a leading Google Cloud specialist recognized with three 2025 Google Cloud Awards – 'Google Cloud Country Partner of the Year - India', 'Google Cloud Databases Partner of the Year - APAC' and 'Google Cloud Country Partner of the Year – Chile,' further validating NTT DATA's commitment to cloud excellence and innovation. 'We're excited to see the strengthened partnership between NTT DATA and Google Cloud, which continues to deliver measurable impact. Their combined expertise has been instrumental in migrating more than 380 workloads to Google Cloud to align with our cloud-first strategy,' said José Luis González Santana, Head of IT Infrastructure, Carrefour. 'By running SAP HANA on Google Cloud, we have consolidated 100 legacy applications to create a powerful, modernized e-commerce platform across 200 hypermarkets. This transformation has given us the agility we need during peak times like Black Friday and enabled us to launch new services faster than ever. Together, NTT DATA and Google Cloud are helping us deliver more connected, seamless experiences for our customers,'
