New Delhi, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : The BRICS Business Forum commenced just ahead of the 2026 BRICS Summit, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressing the inaugural session. He stressed the importance of taking effective measures at the right time amid the current global economic landscape filled with both risks and opportunities.
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to all attendees, highlighting his pleasure in joining them for this significant event, which is strategically timed before the summit.
He noted that this year marks a milestone, celebrating 20 years of BRICS cooperation. Over these two decades, the group has made substantial progress, expanding its membership and broadening its areas of collaboration while developing innovative ways to work together.
Under India’s presidency, the focus has been on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, which have become increasingly vital for member countries in today’s context.
Jaishankar pointed out that the world is undergoing significant political and economic transformations. Instability, uncertainty, and complexities are now defining characteristics of the global landscape. The economic impacts of geopolitical conflicts, pandemics, and climate change are evident.
At the same time, rapid digital transformation and advancements in new technologies are creating fresh opportunities for development, productivity, and economic growth. Consequently, the current economic climate is marked by a wider distribution of both risks and opportunities. In such an environment, the ability to anticipate future challenges, adapt to changing conditions, and take timely, effective actions has never been more critical.
The minister emphasized that the participation of the business community is essential for translating BRICS’ potential into tangible outcomes. The BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance play crucial roles in this regard. These organizations connect the insights of industry leaders and entrepreneurs with the BRICS process, facilitating practical avenues for economic cooperation.
Jaishankar noted that the BRICS Business Forum is a vital component of these broader efforts. Since its inception in 2010, the forum has expanded alongside BRICS, continually increasing the scope of trade collaboration.
Today’s forum brings together a more diverse representation of countries, companies, and sectors than ever before. It serves not only as a platform for discussing business opportunities but also as a venue for exploring the conditions and systems that enable these opportunities. The agenda reflects this comprehensive perspective.
He highlighted that enhancing supply chain connectivity and simplifying trade have become critical topics. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on strengthening the service sector, agriculture and agri-tech, digital services, micro, small, and medium enterprises, startups, and women-led businesses.
The overarching theme connecting these topics is how to facilitate the search for new partners, foster connections among businesses, strengthen supply networks, and leverage each other’s capabilities to create new opportunities.
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