Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday said that BRICS countries should promote the “BRICS Plus” approach to build an open and diversified network of development partners so as to bring the benefits of BRICS cooperation to more people.
Xi made the remark in the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum at Xiamen International Conference Center in southeast China’s Fujian Province.
President Xi started his speech by reviewing the history of the host city of Xiamen. A trading port since ancient time and a gateway of China’s opening-up, Xiamen has taken on a new look for its innovation and entrepreneurship, he said.
He highlighted the achievements the BRICS countries have made over the past decade, saying they have brought real development to more than 3 billion people.
Noting the “BRICS spirit” has played a key role in how the five countries have developed themselves with global progress in mind.
Xi rejected a myth that the BRICS nations are losing their luster. The countries are confident about their development, he said.
President Xi also outlined the development under the Belt and Road Initiative.
“The Belt and Road Initiative is not a tool to advance any geopolitical agenda but a platform for practical cooperation. It is not a foreign aid scheme, but an initiative for interconnected development which calls for extensive consultation, cooperation and shared benefits,” he said.
President Xi said BRICS countries have endeavored to fulfill their international responsibility, and have staked out their positions on major regional and international issues and made proposals for addressing them during the past decade.
“BRICS” refers to five major emerging economies including China, Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. The 9th BRICS Summit, under the theme of “BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future”, is being held in Xiamen from September 3 to 5 under China’s Chairmanship.
CGTN’s Uche Okoronkwo has been taking a look at the numbers and here’s more on BRICS, how it’s set up, how it operates, and its significance on the global stage.
