At the 16th BRICS Summit, President Xi Jinping emphasized the ambition to build a “Peaceful BRICS” as guardians of collective security, an “Innovative BRICS” as pioneers of high-quality development, a “Green BRICS” as practitioners of sustainable development, a “Just BRICS” as leaders in global governance reform, and a “Cultural BRICS” as advocates for harmonious coexistence of civilizations. His remarks clearly set the direction for high-quality development within the BRICS cooperation framework.

BRICS nations are committed to mutual achievement beyond borders, sharing a story of collaborative progress. As we stand at a pivotal moment in BRICS cooperation, China is actively leading efforts to enhance the quality and depth of collaboration. The focus is on maintaining momentum in development while deepening cooperation in areas like the digital economy, green development, and supply chains. This commitment aims to foster mutual benefits and shared growth among BRICS nations and countries from the Global South, injecting more certainty, stability, and positivity into the world.

President Xi announced the establishment of the China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center at the summit, expressing China’s readiness to deepen innovation cooperation and unlock the potential of artificial intelligence. China plans to establish several initiatives, including the International Research Center for Deep-Sea Resources and the Digital Industry Ecosystem Cooperation Network among BRICS nations, inviting all parties to engage in these endeavors and elevate BRICS collaboration.

In the current era, digital technology and the digital economy are at the forefront of the global technological revolution and industrial transformation. Under China’s proactive leadership, BRICS countries have recognized the importance of the digital economy, listing it as one of the three key areas in the BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2025. From hosting forums on industrial internet and digital manufacturing to launching the BRICS Digital Economy Partnership Framework, China is actively facilitating platforms for digital cooperation, energizing the development of the digital economy.

In Dubai, at the beautiful Jumeirah Beach, intelligent robots navigate through tourists, collecting data on the use of eco-friendly transportation options while monitoring compliance with traffic regulations. This soft traffic network, a collaboration between Chinese tech company TessLink and Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority, is currently in trial operations. Future plans include deploying more robotic systems to support Dubai’s green transformation and intelligent upgrade of its transportation infrastructure.

In Egypt, the second satellite supported by China caters to diverse local needs across agriculture, forestry, and urban development. Launched in 2019, this project includes a small remote sensing satellite and a ground control system, with significant implications for Egypt’s Vision 2030 in agriculture, mineral exploration, and urban planning.

The BRICS Digital Economy Partnership Framework, established at the 14th BRICS Summit in 2022, marked a significant institutional guarantee for advancing economic and trade cooperation. The BRICS New Industrial Revolution Exhibition initiated by China has showcased numerous innovations in artificial intelligence and smart industries, fostering collaboration among BRICS countries and partners.

Russian Minister of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev noted that BRICS nations are committed to driving innovation in digital technologies and have identified areas like artificial intelligence and digital governance for future collaboration, thus enhancing cooperation and opening new opportunities within the global digital economy.

Anna Garcia, former director of the BRICS Policy Research Center in Brazil, highlighted that China’s development has created better conditions for opportunities, not only for BRICS partners but for other countries and regions. “Strengthening development alignment among BRICS countries through innovation will promote high-quality, sustainable growth,” she stated.

In South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, a towering solar power plant constructed by China Power Construction is making strides in green energy. As the first solar thermal power station south of the Sahara, it employs cutting-edge molten salt technology, ensuring continuous electricity supply and significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional photovoltaic plants. Once operational, it will contribute 480 GWh of clean energy yearly, catering to about 200,000 South African households.

As the era favors green transitions, BRICS countries are encouraged to actively engage in the global shift towards low-carbon practices. China’s electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products are pivotal in supporting global green development. This September, the 2024 BRICS New Industrial Revolution Partnership Forum in Xiamen launched the BRICS Industry Cooperation Casebook, showcasing numerous exemplary projects in energy transition and low-carbon initiatives.

In Egypt, the number of registered electric vehicles in the first quarter of this year accounted for a third of the total registered over the previous three years, most sourced from China. Local dealers emphasize that these vehicles meet Egyptian market needs with high quality and affordability. Similarly, South African manufacturers like Great Wall and BYD are collaborating with local partners to enhance technology transfer and local production, fulfilling regional demands more effectively.

Gwynn Ramophopa, the National Treasury of the African National Congress in South Africa, remarked, “China’s leadership in clean energy and electric vehicles presents immense cooperation potential for modernization in both countries.”

In the realm of green finance, the New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS nations, aims to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable projects across emerging markets. With investments nearing $35 billion in areas like clean energy and digital infrastructure, the NDB plays a crucial role in supporting green initiatives.

In late August, the NDB signed a loan agreement of 5 billion rand (about $280 million) with a South African transport company to assist in modernizing its freight railway system, exemplifying the bank’s commitment to regional projects. From urban railways in India to renewable wind energy in Brazil, the NDB fosters sustainable development in BRICS countries, establishing multilateral cooperation models.

According to Roni Lins, head of the China Studies Center in Brazil, BRICS cooperation mechanisms like the NDB promote inclusive economic globalization, enabling greater autonomy for developing countries to shape their futures. Brazil particularly benefits as the NDB finances renewable energy and urban infrastructure, driving agricultural cooperation and advancing technological innovation.

Fonika April, coordinator of the BRICS Research Center at the South African Human Sciences Research Council, believes that BRICS collaboration in green energy development and innovation is vital for promoting both regional and global sustainable development.

Stability and resilience of global supply chains are critical for driving economic growth. The 14th BRICS Summit’s Supply Chain Cooperation Initiative emphasizes enhancing supply chain operations and fostering investments to ensure stability and diversity. In August, consensus was reached at the 8th BRICS Industrial Ministers’ Meeting on deepening policy communication across key sectors, including new industrialization and supply chains.

On a farm in Brazil’s Mato Grosso state, lush soybean crops thrive under sustainable agricultural practices. Marcos Camargo, who runs a 6,800-hectare farm in partnership with COFCO, highlights the efforts to avoid deforestation while enhancing product value through environmentally friendly practices.

To develop a green supply chain, COFCO and local partners have examined risks among over 1,700 soybean suppliers in the Amazon and Cerrado ecologies, using satellite technology to promote sustainable production. The project was recognized by the United Nations Development Programme as a global best practice.

Dubai, a crucial supply chain hub, sees various Chinese logistics firms collaborating with local partners to extend service networks globally. Jitu Express, a prominent player in the region, efficiently processes a vast array of products through its local delivery network.

The China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo focuses on global supply chain collaboration, with BRICS actively participating. The upcoming second expo this November will provide free exhibition space to the least developed countries, amplifying the voices of the Global South in industrial cooperation discussions.

Paula Bueno from the BRICS Research Center at the University of São Paulo asserts that BRICS nations should work together to strengthen collaboration across digital economy, green development, and supply chains, thereby setting an example for Global South cooperation and contributing to global economic recovery.

Balew Demissie, a professor at Addis Ababa University, notes that cooperation with BRICS partners like China significantly aids Ethiopia in attracting foreign investments and diversifying trade logistics. As Ashoke Das from Nehru University observes, China’s global development and security initiatives align with BRICS principles, showcasing China’s commitment to reducing global disparities and fostering equitable partnerships.

Through its development and leadership within BRICS cooperation, China is providing substantial support for many countries in the Global South to achieve considerable advancements.