HANOI – Vietnam is closely following the ongoing expansion of BRICS, a group of major emerging economies, according to Phạm Thu Hằng, Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While not confirming any formal application for membership, Hằng emphasized Vietnam's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation.
During a press conference on Thursday, Hằng responded to inquiries about Vietnam's potential engagement with BRICS. She stated that Vietnam, as a responsible member of the international community, is always ready to participate in and contribute to multilateral mechanisms.
"Like many countries in the world, we pay attention to the process of the BRICS membership expansion," Hằng remarked, highlighting Vietnam's interest in the evolving landscape of the group.
BRICS: A Growing Economic Powerhouse
Established in 2009, BRICS initially consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. The group expanded significantly on January 1, 2024, welcoming Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, and Ethiopia as new members.Prior to this expansion, BRICS already held considerable global influence, accounting for approximately 30% of the global economy, 26% of the land area, and 43% of the world's population. Additionally, the group produced over a third of the global grain output.
Vietnam's Potential Role in BRICS
Vietnam's interest in BRICS aligns with its foreign policy of diversifying international relations and engaging with various global forums. As a rapidly developing economy in Southeast Asia, Vietnam could potentially benefit from increased cooperation with BRICS member states in areas such as trade, investment, and technology.While Vietnam's official stance on BRICS membership remains to be seen, its active observation of the group's expansion suggests a growing interest in potentially joining this influential bloc of nations.
