Latest news with #BRICS2025Summit
The Star
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Anwar advances Malaysia's diplomatic agenda
MALAYSIA's participation in the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, represents a major milestone in the country's ongoing commitment to constructive diplomacy, strategic economic diversification and global engagement under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Held from July 6–7, the summit marked Malaysia's debut as a BRICS partner country and as Asean Chair for 2025. Anwar's visit included high-level engagements with leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, highlighting Malaysia's renewed strategic posture in international affairs. The BRICS group was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2006, with the first BRIC Summit held in 2009. South Africa officially joined in 2011, expanding the bloc into BRICS. Following the Johannesburg Declaration in August 2023, the group expanded further, and as of 2024–2025, BRICS now comprises 11 members: its five original members – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – along with six new members admitted during the expansion: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. The alliance also recognises 10 partner countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Collectively, BRICS countries account for around 45% of the world's population and approximately 35% of global GDP when measured by purchasing power parity (PPP), reflecting the bloc's growing influence in shaping global economic and geopolitical affairs. BRICS aims to strengthen economic, political and social cooperation among its members while amplifying the voice of Global South countries in international governance. Anwar's presence at the summit reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to fostering inclusive global cooperation while advancing national interests in trade, digital innovation, renewable energy, regional security and the pursuit of a more sustainable economy. 'Malaysia has enhanced its global standing by participating in the BRICS 2025 Summit, being recognised as an important partner country that could further enlarge the grouping's expanding influence in a multipolar world,' said Prof Yeah. Strategic engagement Economist Prof Yeah Kim Leng described Malaysia's participation in BRICS as a strategic elevation of its international profile. 'Malaysia has enhanced its global standing by participating in the BRICS 2025 Summit, being recognised as an important partner country that could further enlarge the grouping's expanding influence in a multipolar world,' said Prof Yeah, who is also senior fellow and director of the Economic Studies Programme at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on South-East Asia at Sunway University. 'It signals to investors that Malaysia will not only have continued market access to BRICS member countries but also participate in the group's expanding influence, which covers nearly half the global population.' 'Having trade and diplomatic ties with the BRICS community is the right thing to do and economic integration must occur in a timely fashion,' said Mohd Afzanizam. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid offered a similar view, but with a focus on realpolitik and economic resilience. 'It is quite clear that the United States (US) is pursuing an antagonistic trade policy and this will take some time to resolve, as it involves a series of negotiations. The Malaysian government will need to be nimble by taking a pragmatic approach. 'Having trade and diplomatic ties with the BRICS community is the right thing to do and economic integration must occur in a timely fashion,' he said. 'The government must ensure that more support is directed towards our businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in terms of capacity building. Ultimately, we want more Government-Linked Companies (GLCs), Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs), the private sector and MSMEs to be integrated with BRICS to mitigate the impact of US tariffs.' From a political standpoint, Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia observed that Malaysia's BRICS participation marks a strategic pivot towards multipolar engagement. 'It enhances Malaysia's global economic and geopolitical relevance beyond traditional Western alliances. Malaysia, which practices multilateral relations and constructive engagement, sees BRICS as another platform to strengthen economic ties.' Unlocking new opportunities The summit opened doors to multiple forms of cooperation — in trade, finance, and development — from which Malaysia is well positioned to benefit. According to Prof Yeah, deeper ties with BRICS members and other Global South developing countries could unlock access to larger markets and collaborative initiatives. 'Malaysia can benefit from various initiatives carried out by BRICS countries, such as infrastructure development, climate financing and trade settlement systems based on local currencies,' he said. Mohd Afzanizam identified several key sectors where Malaysia stands to gain: 'Technology, e-commerce, tourism, healthcare, commodities, agri-food and education — these are areas where integration with BRICS economies could be mutually beneficial.' Prof Sivamurugan further emphasised that Malaysia's engagement with BRICS could help reduce dependency on the US dollar-dominated financial system. 'Malaysia stands to benefit from increased trade, investment, technology transfer, energy collaboration and alternative financial mechanisms outside the US-dollar framework,' said the political analyst. 'This visit reflects Anwar's pragmatic and balanced foreign policy — one that prioritises sovereignty, economic diplomacy and a proactive role in emerging global blocs,' said Prof Sivamurugan. Anwar's leadership The summit also offered a unique platform for Anwar to showcase his foreign policy acumen and global statesmanship. 'This visit reflects Anwar's pragmatic and balanced foreign policy — one that prioritises sovereignty, economic diplomacy and a proactive role in emerging global blocs,' said Prof Sivamurugan. Mohd Afzanizam echoed this, noting that 'Anwar promotes pragmatism and diplomacy. This can foster a longer and sustainable multilateral relationship.' Prof Yeah added that the Prime Minister's role as Asean spokesperson has elevated his stature. 'It enabled Malaysia's perspectives on various geopolitical issues to be articulated at the summit,' he said. Diplomatic bridge Malaysia's role as Asean Chair in 2025 adds further weight to its engagement with BRICS. Analysts agree that this dual role amplifies Malaysia's influence as a regional bridge. 'As one of BRICS partner countries and the Asean Chair concurrently, Malaysia, together with two other Asean member countries, Thailand and Indonesia, which are also BRICS partners, is in an influential position to foster closer economic and geopolitical relationships between the two regional groupings,' said Prof Yeah. 'Anwar in assuming the Asean Chairmanship role is also in a vantage position to resolve differences and tensions between member countries within and across the two groupings.' Mohd Afzanizam stated that Malaysia's diplomatic posture projects unity and progressiveness. 'This image can greatly boost Malaysia's role in promoting international trade,' he added. According to Prof Sivamurugan, Malaysia's engagement with BRICS enhances its credibility as Asean Chair. 'It demonstrates leadership in bridging Asean with other rising global powers.' Multilateral alignment Malaysia has long been a proponent of multilateral engagement and its BRICS participation reflects a consistent, principle-based foreign policy. 'Malaysia's well-telegraphed neutrality in Big Power competition, its core interest in free trade and openness to foreign investment from all countries are in line with its multilateral commitments,' said Prof Yeah. Prof Sivamurugan highlighted Malaysia's active promotion of South-South cooperation. 'Malaysia's engagement with BRICS complements its multilateral stance by promoting South-South cooperation, global equity and non-alignment.' Mohd Afzanizam emphasised that BRICS engagement does not conflict with Malaysia's existing commitments. 'It's about building parallel tracks of cooperation — with Asean, the EU and BRICS — in ways that reinforce our resilience,' he said. Rational engagement Some quarters have questioned the productivity or necessity of Anwar's visit to Brazil. The experts firmly counter this notion. 'International visits and participation in global and regional summits are important not only to foster closer ties and understanding among world leaders, but also to facilitate joint economic development, coordinated policy responses and conflict resolution affecting two or more countries,' said Prof Yeah. Mohd Afzanizam noted that Anwar's international presence is an asset in itself. 'Malaysia under Anwar is well respected by the international community. This has greatly facilitated trade negotiations among BRICS, Asean and the EU — resulting in favourable deals.' Prof Sivamurugan added, 'This visit is a forward-looking move to diversify partnerships, enhance Malaysia's global influence and secure national interests in a rapidly shifting world order.'
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
BRICS 2025: Anwar presents civilisational diplomacy
AS global trust in traditional institutions wanes and multipolarity gains traction, Malaysia's presence at the BRICS 2025 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offers more than technical policy advocacy — it signals the emergence of a new diplomatic ethos. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim positions Malaysia not just as a participant in international affairs, but as a civilisational bridge committed to narrative sovereignty and moral multilateralism. Malaysia's participation epitomises a comprehensive and justice-oriented worldview, promoting a civilisational diplomacy where ethics, history, and plural values shape responses to global crises. The endorsement of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, for instance, reimagines public health beyond biomedical metrics. It recognises the structural roots of inequality, linking access to care with ontological dignity and social justice. Malaysia's emphasis on resilient health systems, vaccine equity, and pharmaceutical supply chain governance elevates health diplomacy to the level of international security. In calling for equitable regulation, Malaysia reframes access to care as a sovereign right, countering the paternalism that often defines North-South health frameworks. On climate, Malaysia reinforces its commitment to a just transition via the National Energy Transition Roadmap and a 2050 net-zero target. Yet the crux of its intervention lies in its critique of the global climate finance architecture. Malaysia supports the BRICS Framework on Climate Financing, but demands more effective instruments, concessional equity, and institutional coherence. Malaysia calls for justice that is actionable, not aspirational. As Asean Chair, it drives regional alignment in climate action, positioning Southeast Asia as a sustainable investment hub with narrative depth. At the heart of Malaysia's foreign policy reorientation is the Anwar Doctrine — a proposition that diplomacy must transcend power balances and embrace civilisational ethics. Anwar's critique of post-World War II institutions is not anti-Western, but post-hegemonic, seeking to rebalance global legitimacy, amplify plural worldviews, and assert narrative agency for the Global South. Our role in BRICS+ is to bridge East and West. Central to the Anwar Doctrine is the principle of narrative sovereignty. Malaysia affirms the Global South's right to define key terms — "development," "security," "democracy" — beyond metropolitan epistemologies. In proposing initiatives like the Global South Narrative Summit and a Digital Bandung Initiative, Malaysia seeks to reconstitute discursive legitimacy and ontological agency. These ambitions need institutional scaffolding. With its 2025 Asean Chairmanship and growing BRICS engagement, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to institutionalise this vision. Hosting a Global South Narrative Summit in Kuala Lumpur would give voice to storytellers, scholars, and diplomats committed to reshaping global discourse. A Digital Bandung Initiative could reclaim online domains for Southern epistemologies. Furthermore, a UN resolution on narrative sovereignty would substantiate the prerogative of nations to articulate their own epistemic identities. The Anwar Doctrine is not a nostalgic return to non-alignment — it is a forward-looking strategy for narrative alignment across geopolitical and digital frontiers. In an era marked by complexity and epistemic turbulence, Malaysia embraces post-normal diplomacy. It acknowledges plural truths, navigates uncertainty, and engages historical repair. Through the Anwar Doctrine, Malaysia moves from mere participation to narrative leadership—offering not just policy, but philosophy; not just critique, but coherence. BRICS 2025 marks a turning point in Malaysia's diplomatic trajectory. It is no longer a spectator in global forums but a co-author of shared futures. Through the Anwar Doctrine, Malaysia transforms multilateralism into a moral stage, positioning the Global South not as a reactive bloc, but as a chorus of civilisational voices reclaiming meaning, dignity, and justice. This is not just Malaysia's moment — it is the emergence of a global collective in which Malaysia plays both conductor and composer.
Egypt Independent
07-07-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Egypt's partnership with BRICS boosts the value of local currency: Expert
The BRICS 2025 Summit kicked off on Sunday, July 6, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Leaders and heads of emerging economic powers are participating to discuss prospects for international cooperation and formulate a vision that reflects the aspirations of a multipolar world. Twenty countries have joined this year's BRICS Summit, including permanent members and partners within the group. The summit is scheduled to last two days, featuring a packed program including plenary sessions and bilateral and multilateral meetings. Discussions during the BRICS 2025 Summit will focus on strengthening South-South cooperation, amid ongoing efforts to consolidate BRICS' position on the international stage. Key topics include global economic governance, innovation and technology, sustainable development, climate change, and international peace and security issues, alongside specialized official sessions. This seventeenth edition of the BRICS Summit is being held under special circumstances – the group faces a host of challenges, both internally and externally, testing its ability to achieve its ambitions. Member states are seeking to expand cooperation in key areas such as health, technology, and the environment. This summit is gaining increasing importance as countries of the Global South seek to reshape the existing global order and reduce their reliance on traditional Western economic and political systems. It also pushes for enhanced trade using local currencies and expanded economic partnerships among member states, as part of a strategic drive toward building a multi-polar world order. Brazil assumed the presidency of the group in early January, for the fourth time in its history. Economic gains Economic expert Samir Raouf, said that the 17th BRICS Summit offers Egypt significant economic gains by enhancing trade and investment through increased trade volume with BRICS countries. He explained that trade volume between Egypt and BRICS countries has already increased by 19.5 percent in 2024 – reaching US$50.8 billion – with the opening of new markets for Egyptian products in these countries, especially after the increase in the number of members including from China, Russia, and India. Raouf added that increased cooperation with strong economies within the group has led to an influx of additional foreign investment into the Egyptian market, alongside opening up new areas of cooperation in the technology, innovation, industrial development, energy, and food agriculture sectors. This coincides with the possibility of implementing trade exchange systems in local currencies, which will help alleviate pressure on the dollar, reduce dependence on it, and gradually support the Egyptian pound. The economic expert explained that Egypt is now able to benefit greatly from the collective efforts of the BRICS countries to establish an alternative global financial system based on non-dollar payment systems and multiple economic instruments. In the future, this could lead to an improvement in the value of the local currency and increase Egypt's flexibility in making economic decisions outside the pressures of the traditional financial system. Regarding financing development projects, Raouf explained that Egypt's membership in the BRICS New Development Bank provides it with concessional financing for infrastructure and sustainable development projects, particularly regarding transportation, energy, water, digital infrastructure, and social development. As for tourism, the expert pointed out that the current stable situation in Egypt and the approaching opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum provide it with ample opportunities to promote tourism within the BRICS countries and increase the flow of tourist delegations from these countries. Raouf concluded his remarks stating that Egypt's participation in the 17th BRICS Summit also brings significant strategic and geopolitical gains, as it strengthens its regional and international role as an active player in international forums, contributes to building a more balanced and just global economic system, and provides it with political and marketing support internationally on several issues. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
India.com
07-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
China Responds To Trump's Tariff Threat, Says BRICS Not Seeking Confrontation
New Delhi: China on Monday responded to US President Donald Trump's threat to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries aligning with what he described as 'anti-American' policies promoted by the BRICS grouping. China emphasized that the BRICS alliance is not seeking 'confrontation' and reiterated its stance against trade wars. According to media reports, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, 'Trade and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism is not a solution.' Beijing's statement came after Trump warned of punitive tariffs against countries adopting what he called "anti-American" BRICS policies. His latest threat follows the BRICS 2025 Summit in Brazil, where member states condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities as 'illegal.' In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump warned that 'any country aligning themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.' However, Trump did not elaborate on what constituted 'anti-American policies,' nor did he specify which countries might be targeted under the proposed tariff rule. The BRICS summit, which brought together leaders from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, condemned recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, labeling the attacks 'illegal.' This joint statement appeared to provoke Trump's tariff warning. Beyond Iran, the BRICS nations also voiced concern over the escalating conflict in Gaza, urging for peaceful resolutions and criticizing unilateral military actions. The bloc's stance reflects the broader concerns of the Global South regarding rising violence and the need for diplomatic solutions. Trump's threat signals growing tensions between the US and the BRICS coalition, as the bloc continues to assert its influence on global geopolitics, often challenging Western policies and interests.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Trump warns of additional tariff for countries aligning with ‘anti-American BRICS policies'
US President Donald Trump has warned of an additional tariff for countries aligning themselves with any BRICS policies which are 'anti-American.' As per the latest announcement from the US leader, an additional tariff of 10 percent will be charged. President Donald Trump has warned of additional tariffs against countries aligning with BRICS policies.(AP) Trump's statement comes after the BRICS 2025 Summit condemned the US and Israel strikes on Iran last month. At the BRICS 2025 summit in Brazil, the 10 member states - Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russian Federation, South Africa, United Arab Emirates - condemned the American-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, referring to the attacks as 'illegal.' Furthermore, at the Brazil summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the double standard towards terror when it comes to attacks in the Global South. BRICS slams 'double standards' towards Global South In the joint declaration, which slammed the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the BRICS countries called to combat the cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and safe havens. 'We urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism,' said the statement. Also Read: Global South a victim of double standards: PM Modi Furthermore, the joint declaration criticised the 'indiscriminate rising of tariffs', without naming the US, and added that such measures threaten to undermine global trade and disrupt global supply chains. BRICS also strengthened its language for the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip as it expressed the Global South's sentiment against unilateral military actions. Trump's tariff letters 'signed and ready' As the deadline for his tariff pause nears, the US president has stated that he has tariff letters for 12 countries 'signed and ready.' Despite reports calling Trump's alleged bluff, the Republican leader has stated that the letters will be issued on Monday - 12 PM EST. On April 2, Trump announced revised and hiked tariff rates for all of US' trading partners. Amid global backlash and collapse of trade deals, the US president announced a 90-day pause, which was then extended till July 9.
