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As Brics grouping grows, will S-E Asia’s economic hopes come to fruition?
The Brics grouping has embarked on an ambitious membership expansion drive. The Straits Times looks at what this means for its partners from South-east Asia, as well as for founder members India and China.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking during a plenary session at the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia, on Oct 24.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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JAKARTA – Nearly half of Asean’s member states have aligned themselves with Brics, the nine-member bloc of emerging economies often viewed as a strategic counterbalance to Western influence.
Founded in 2009, Brics originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and later, South Africa. At its latest 16th summit held in Russia from Oct 22 to Oct 24, the alliance unveiled its most significant expansion yet, by welcoming four new members as well as 13 new partner nations.
