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South African Official: Common Currency Requires Central Bank, Threatens Monetary Policy Independence
26.8.2023
South Africa’s minister of finance has explained why he believes that no country is ready for a common currency, including a unified BRICS currency. “Setting up a common currency presupposes setting up a central bank, and that presupposes losing independence on monetary policies, and I don’t think...
BRICS Leaders Declare Importance of Using Local Currencies in International Trade
25.8.2023
The BRICS leaders stress “the importance of encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions” in their declaration released at the conclusion of their 15th annual summit. In addition, the BRICS nations have tasked their finance ministers and central...
BRICS Invites 6 Countries to Join, Including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran
25.8.2023
The BRICS economic bloc has invited six countries to become new members: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The BRICS leaders wrapped up their 15th annual summit on Thursday. “We have reached agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria,...
Brazil’s President Says BRICS Not Seeking to Counter US, G7, or G20 — Pushes for BRICS Currency
24.8.2023
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has stated that the BRICS economic bloc does not want to be “a counterpoint to the G7, G20, or the United States,” emphasizing that the BRICS nations “just want to organize ourselves.” The Brazilian leader also pushed for “the creation of...
Xi Jinping: BRICS to Forge Stronger Partnership, People Do Not Long for New Cold War or Small Exclusive Bloc
24.8.2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated at the BRICS summit that “What people in various countries long for is definitely not a new Cold War or a small exclusive bloc.” He stressed that the BRICS group will expand and promote global multipolarity. “Hegemonism is not in China’s DNA; nor does China have...
Russian President Putin to BRICS Leaders: Irreversible Process of De-Dollarization Gaining Steam
24.8.2023
Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the BRICS summit that “A balanced, irreversible process of de-dollarization of our economic ties is gaining steam.” The Russian leader stressed: “We oppose hegemonies of any kind and the exceptional status that some countries aspire to, as well as the...
BRICS Bank to Issue First Indian Rupee Bond — Plans to Boost Local Currency Lending
23.8.2023
The New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank, is reportedly planning to issue its first Indian rupee bond by October. Last week, the bank issued its first South African rand bond. “NDB is seeking to increase its presence in the local capital markets of its member countries,...
BRICS Not Focusing on Creating Common Currency, Indian Official Says
22.8.2023
A top Indian official has downplayed the creation of a shared BRICS currency. Emphasizing that “common currency discussions have several prerequisites before you can even talk about a common currency framework,” the official stressed that the BRICS nations have focused on boosting settlements...
Over 40 Heads of State Will Attend BRICS Summit, South Africa Confirms
22.8.2023
South Africa, the host of the BRICS summit this year, has confirmed that more than 40 heads of state will participate in the summit that will take place on Aug. 22-24. South Africa has also claimed that 23 countries have formally applied for BRICS membership. 40+ Heads of State to Participate...
Volatility in Chinese Yuan, Russian Ruble Makes De-Dollarization Harder, Market Analyst Says
21.8.2023
A market analyst says that the recent decline and volatility in the Chinese yuan, the Russian ruble, and to a lesser extent the Argentine peso, “will only add further challenges to the idea of de-dollarization.” He stressed that countries are “unable to agree on a clear path to de-dollarization...
Economist Lord Jim O’Neill Calls BRICS Currency Idea ‘Ridiculous’ — Says China and India Never Agree on Anything
20.8.2023
Lord Jim O’Neill, the British economist credited with coining the acronym BRIC, calls the creation of a common BRICS currency “ridiculous,” emphasizing that the BRICS nations have “never achieved anything since they first started meeting.” He added: “It’s a good job for the West that...
Putin and Ramaphosa Discuss BRICS Summit, Trade and Cooperation; Russian President to Join via Video Link
10.8.2023
Russian president Vladimir Putin and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed cooperation, trade, and preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit. The two leaders conversed about practical cooperation and the expansion of the organization, reflecting a shared commitment...
23 Countries Apply for BRICS Membership as Leaders Prepare to Convene at Summit
9.8.2023
South Africa, the host of the BRICS summit this year, has published a list of 23 countries that have applied to become members of the economic bloc. Moreover, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has invited 67 leaders and 20 representatives of major organizations to the BRICS summit. French...
Iran Increases Efforts to Join BRICS, Strengthen Ties With Member Countries
1.8.2023
Iran has ramped up its efforts to become a member of the BRICS group ahead of the economic bloc’s summit. The Iranian deputy foreign minister for economic diplomacy revealed that Iran is actively pursuing opportunities to strengthen its economic ties with BRICS members, noting that it...
US Second in World by Debt per Citizen, Rare Bitcoin Block Reward Awakens, BRICS Summit Invites — Week in Review
30.7.2023
A recent study has shown that Singapore, the U.S., and Japan rank highest in the world by debt per citizen, according to United Nations data. In other news, a rare 2010 Bitcoin block reward has awakened after 13 years of dormancy, and the BRICS economic bloc has invited 69 leaders to its August...
Russian Official Says BRICS Currency Could Be Discussed at Upcoming Summit
30.7.2023
Russia’s deputy prime minister has stated that the topic of a common BRICS currency may still be on the table at the economic bloc’s upcoming leaders’ summit. A total of 69 leaders, including all African heads of state, have already been invited to the August summit where de-dollarization...
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Hints at Expansion of BRICS Bloc With 3 New Members
27.7.2023
In a recent interview published on July 26, South Africa’s foreign minister Naledi Pandor highlighted the BRICS group of economies’ commitment to peace, asserting that these nations do not aim to “weaponize the oceans.” Moreover, leading up to the much-anticipated 15th BRICS...
White House Says US Policy Allows Partners to Seek BRICS Membership
27.7.2023
The White House has affirmed that U.S. policy does not ask partners to choose between the U.S. and other countries, including the BRICS nations. “The U.S. does not want to limit countries’ partnership with other countries,” said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. More than 40 countries have...
BRICS Invites 69 Leaders to August Summit — Western Countries Omitted
26.7.2023
The BRICS economic bloc has invited 69 leaders to its upcoming summit, including all African heads of state and the political heads of major Global South bodies. More than 40 countries have expressed interest to join the BRICS group, with 22 nations already having submitted official applications....
Algeria Readies $1.5B BRICS Bid: Major Move for Membership in the Cards?
25.7.2023
As quoted by Ennahar TV, Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune has signaled that Algeria — Africa’s largest nation — is eager to align itself with the BRICS coalition. He conveyed that this significant alignment with the five major emerging economies could potentially unlock unprecedented...