Welcome Remarks by BRICS Chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa at the BRICS–Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue, 24 August 2023

Speeches

Your Excellency, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

 

Your Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros and Chair of the African Union,

 

Your Excellencies, Leaders of BRICS nations,

 

Leaders of Africa and the Global South,

 

Leaders of Global and Regional Institutions,

 

Honourable Ministers,

 

Distinguished Guests,

 

It is a great honour to welcome you to South Africa for the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue.

 

When reflecting on the purpose and role of BRICS in the world today, we recall the Bandung Conference of 1955, where Asian and African nations demanded a greater voice for developing countries in world affairs.

 

The Conference called for the recognition of the equality of all nations, large and small.

 

We still share that common vision of a fair and just world.

 

We still seek to overcome polarity and division. We want a world without barriers between North and South, East and West.

 

We still seek a world in which we work together underpinned by mutual respect.

 

Through the XV BRICS Summit and this Dialogue we should strive to advance the Bandung spirit of unity, friendship and cooperation.

 

In South Africa we have a world for this: Ubuntu.

 

Ubuntu is a practice based on the understanding that our success, prosperity and well-being depend on the success, prosperity and well-being of others.

 

We see the BRICS partnership as a catalyst for global growth and development that responds to the needs of all nations.

 

It is the right of Africa and the entire Global South to fully reap the benefi ts of global trade and investment. Without trade and investment our economies cannot thrive and our peoples’ material conditions cannot improve.

 

As the African continent, we are determined that the continent’s substantial resources are harnessed for the benefit and development of Africa’s people.

 

The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully operational, will unlock the benefits of the continental market and generate substantial opportunities for Africa and other countries.

 

To make use of these opportunities, Africa is looking to the BRICS partnership to unlock infrastructure and development financing.

 

This was part of the founding vision of the New Development Bank.

 

The Bank is playing a leading role in efforts to increase the resilience of the Global South, and to bring fairness to global trading and financial systems by strengthening the use of BRICS currencies.

 

We have to reform global economic, financial and political governance, including the multilateral trading system, so that we create a conducive environment for fair trade.

 

While many countries of the Global South are seeing significant progress in industrialisation, technological development, innovation and the digital economy, they are not fully reaping the economic benefits.

 

By working together, by sharing skills and capabilities, by mobilising resources, we will be able to give renewed impetus to global growth and sustainable development.

 

We need to move beyond expressions of solidarity towards inclusion and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

 

We trust that this dialogue will provide leadership, vision and hope as we strive together for a better Africa and a better world.

 

I thank you.

 

 

ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

BRICS CHAIR President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Media Briefing Remarks Announcing the Outcomes of the XV BRICS Summit, 24 August 2023

Speeches

Excellencies,

 

Members of the Media,

 

Good Afternoon,

 

We successfully concluded the XV BRICS Summit yesterday.

 

It is the first BRICS Summit to be hosted in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global travel restrictions.

 

Leading up to the Summit, there was a wide-ranging BRICS business programme aimed at attracting investment, promoting collaboration and showcasing opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.

 

We welcome the clear vision of Ms Dilma Rousseff as the President of the New Development Bank on the role that the Bank should play in support of infrastructure and sustainable development in Africa and the Global South.

 

We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the BRICS Business Council and welcomed the self-review by the Council and the subsequent recommendations made to Leaders.

 

We also welcomed the work of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance in their first in-person engagement with leaders. We particularly welcomed the participation of youth representatives in the Summit.

 

We addressed our expectations for the BRICS economic partnership to generate tangible benefits for our communities and deliver viable solutions for common challenges faced by the global South.

 

We shared our vision of BRICS as a champion of the needs and concerns of the peoples of the Global South. These include the need for beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and reform of multilateral systems.

 

We reiterate our commitment to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

 

We are concerned about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world. We stress our commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and inclusive consultation.

 

The Summit noted that an unbalanced recovery from the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating inequality across the world.

 

We encourage multilateral financial institutions and international organisations to play a constructive role in building global consensus on economic policies.

 

We have noted that there is global momentum for the use of local currencies, alternative financial arrangements and alternative payment systems.

 

As BRICS, we are ready to explore opportunities for improving the stability, reliability and fairness of the global financial architecture.

 

The Summit agreed to task the BRICS Finance Ministers and/or Central Bank Governors, as appropriate, to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to the BRICS leaders by the next Summit.

 

This Summit reaffirmed the importance of BRICS people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation.

 

The Summit appreciates the progress made over the last year in the fields of media, culture, education, sports, arts, youth, civil society and academic exchanges.

 

We adopted the Johannesburg II Declaration which reflects key BRICS messages on matters of global economic, financial and political importance.

 

It demonstrates the shared values and common interests that underlie our mutually beneficial cooperation as the five BRICS countries.

 

BRICS itself is a diverse group of nations.

 

It is an equal partnership of countries that have differing views but have a shared vision for a better world.

 

As the five BRICS countries, we have reached agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process, which has been under discussion for quite a while.

 

We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process, and further phases will follow.

 

We have decided to invite the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of BRICS. The membership will take effect from 1 January 2024.

 

We value the interest of other countries in building a partnership with BRICS.

 

We have tasked our Foreign Ministers to further develop the BRICS partner country model and a list of prospective partner countries and report by the next Summit.

 

Today, we will be hosting leaders from Africa and the Global South in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue.

 

This is so that we can have an inclusive dialogue on key issues affecting developing economies and identify actions that we can take together towards a more equitable, inclusive and representative world.

 

May I conclude by thanking the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China, together with their delegations, for participating in this most successful XV BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

Through this Summit, BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous.

 

I thank you.

 

ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Speaking Notes by the Global Chair of the BRICS Business Council, Ms Busi Mabuza, 23 August 2023

Speeches
  • Your Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the RSA and the 2023 Global Chair of BRICS
  • Your Excellency President Lula da Silva, the President of Federative Republic of Brazil
  • Your Excellency Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
  • Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India of the Republic of India
  • Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China
  • Ministers of BRICS Countries
  • Ambassadors of the BRICS Countries,

Chairpersons of the BRICS Business Council:

  • Jackson Schneider
  • Mr Sergey Katyrin
  • Onkar S Kanwar
  • Mr Chen Siqing
  • Members of the BRICS Business Council

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

PRIORITIES

It is with great honour and privilege that I stand before you today as the 2023 Global Chair of the BRICS Business Council to present our Annual Report. As the leaders of the BRICS nations, we recognize the strength and potential of this alliance in fostering economic cooperation and driving global growth.

 

Firstly: At the beginning of the year, we identified priorities for the 2023 Chairship. We prioritized several key areas to further enhance the economic ties among BRICS countries. These included:

  • Developing a partnership towards an equitable just transition. In this regards the BRICS Centre of Excellence in Africa will be established, the centre will evolve into a BRICS Energy Agency which seeks to drive: Increased Collaboration, Enhanced Research, and Innovation in Energy, provide Skill Development and Capacity Building, Energy Trends, Collaborate with International Organizations, Data and Statistics Repository and be the leader Policy Formulation Centre for the BRICS energy community and beyond.

 

  • Transforming education and skills development for the future. We have Intensified programmes of knowledge, skills exchange, and work within our BRICDS partners and identified more education and empowerment driven opportunities to unlock the potential that resides in our developing nations.
  • Unlocking the opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This historic trade agreement envisages a single market encompassing the entire African continent, facilitating trade and investment on an unprecedented scale. As the BRICS Business Council, we must seize this opportunity to forge closer ties with Africa and align our interests to drive inclusive and sustainable growth across both regions.

AGREED JOINT STATEMENT ON TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Secondly, I wish to highlight the Agreed Joint Statement on Trade and Investment.

  • This statement is a testament to our commitment to reducing barriers, improving trade facilitation, and promoting investments among the BRICS nations. Through this agreement, we collectively pledge to drive trade and investment promotion, across all sectors, to contribute towards the fair-trade balance, and inclusive trade practices, while encouraging investment flows that benefit all our economies.

INTRA WORKING GROUP AND COMMERCIAL MOU

Thirdly, we are proud to share that we have signed an Intra Working Group MOU and Commercial MOU.

  • These agreements serve as critical instruments for enhancing coordination and cooperation within our business council. The Intra Working Group MOU will facilitate better collaboration among our working groups, ensuring efficient communication and exchange of ideas.
  • Furthermore, the Commercial MOU between two DFIs (Republic of South Africa and People’s Republic of China) will boost commercial ties, generate business opportunities, and promote mutual growth between these two countries.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT POSTURE AMONG OUR NATIONS

  • We have witnessed an upward trajectory in growth in trade volumes and investments among BRICS countries. However, we also recognize the challenges posed by tariff barriers, non-tariff measures, and regulatory complexities which hinder the full potential of our trade and investment capabilities.
  • We agree looking ahead, the opportunity for intra-BRICS and BRIC-Africa investment remains promising. However, more effort is required to make investment a key driver of economic cooperation among the BRICS and BRIC-Africa, and to bring more benefits for sustainable and inclusive economic development in the bloc and promote industrialisation on the African Continent.

10 YEAR REFLECTION AND LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEXT DECADE (2023-2033)

  • As, we reflect on the accomplishments of the past decade, The potential impact of a new BBC on the global trade remains uncertain, with experts debating its potential to challenge other business blocs and bilateral agreement with countries. However, as a platform representing the interests of the business community in five emerging economies it has greatly contributed to strengthening economic cooperation and fostering investment opportunities among its member countries.
  • It is crucial to look ahead to the next 10 years of the BRICS Business Council. The BRICS trade and investment posture must adapt to the evolving global landscape. The next decade must strongly focus on strengthening and promoting economic, trade, business, and investment ties among the business communities of the five BRICS countries. This can be achieved through:
  • fostering the regulatory harmonization to increase trade between member countries,
  • the identification of trade barriers within specific industries, and recommendations on how these barriers may be overcome through multilateral or bilateral solutions, and
  • building an inclusive and diverse environment for trade and investment to provide opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, in our BRICS nations and the African continent.

In conclusion, esteemed your Excellencies, esteemed Ministers, and BRICS Council Chairpersons, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to present this BBC 2023 Annual report on behalf of the BRICS Business Council.  The recommendations for 2023, the Agreed Joint Statement on Trade and Investment, the signed MOUs, the trade &investment posture, and our next 10-year plans highlight our commitment to:

  • Advancing economic partnerships,
  • Mutual prosperity among BRICS countries, and
  • Building a BRICS Business Council that not only serves the interests of our member nations but also acts as a catalyst to drive an upward economic change across the world.

We look forward to the continued support and collaboration of our governments as we work together towards a brighter future.

 

I thank you.

BRICS Business Forum Opening Remarks by Ms Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, 22 August 2023

Speeches

Honourable Ministers, Distinguished dignitaries, Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen representing the realms of business and media, I extend to you a warm Sanibonani, Dumelang, Goeie more and Good morning!

 

Thank you for the kind introduction, Ashraf, and thank you, Honourable Ministers, for the context you have set and the insights you have shared, which are invaluable as we begin our programme for the BRICS Business Forum today.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the SA BRICS Business Council, I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you all.

 

It is undoubtedly a privilege to be in the presence of so many distinguished representatives from across the BRICS Nations and the African Continent.

 

SETTING THE SCENE/ CONTEXT

 

I’m looking forward to the content rich programme under the over-arching theme of  “Making Accelerated Growth and Sustainable Development a Reality”.

 

Today, we are here to discuss the critical issues that the BRICS nations, and the continent faces. Our agenda provides us with a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders, policy makers from across Brazil, Russia, India, China, and the African Continent. We are extremely honoured that our programme is presided over by our respective Heads of State.

 

THEMES/ PANELS

 

We have curated diverse sessions and panel discussions with representation from each of the BRICS countries, and the African continent.

 

  • During the day, we will investigate the rules and regulations required to establish a working framework that can help to accelerate trade and investment across our economies. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is important for the BRICS nations to come together to build our economies through strengthening economic partnerships and unlock new opportunities and overcome shared challenges.
  • We will explore agricultural development and synergies in the BRICS countries, as we strive for sustainable growth, it is important to address the critical issues facing the agricultural industry. Through the promotion of technological advancements, knowledge sharing, and agricultural finance, we can revolutionize agricultural practices and ensure food security for our nations.
  • The other important panel discussion will focus on delivering a just transition. As we deal with the complexities of societal challenges &climate issues, we must build a pathway that ensures inclusivity and leaves no one behind. By promoting economic growth that embraces social equity and builds resilient societies that flourish under sustainable path for all.
  • The entrepreneurial opportunities and market access as key enablers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is another important conversation. BRICS grouping’s economic growth is depended on the success of our SMEs. By creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, providing market access, financial resources and supporting SMEs with favourable policies we can unleash their potential and drive sustainable growth for the BRICS nations.
  • Africa also takes centre stage today with the African Continental Free Trade Area as a key theme on our agenda. The goal of creating the largest Free Trade area in the world across the African Continent is gaining momentum, and the opportunity looms large for BRICS nations in the context of a united Africa from a trade perspective.

 

POSTURE OF THE BUSINESS FORUM

 

  • In today’s interconnected world, collaboration can help us not only to navigate the many challenges we continuously face but also help us to capitalise on opportunities that regularly present themselves. By working together, we can harness our collective strengths, leverage our respective expertise, and unlock new avenues for sustainable growth.

 

  • Undoubtedly, the BRICS nations are at the forefront of technological advancements and digital transformation, and by jointly harnessing the power of technology, we can drive efficiencies and create new areas for business growth across our economies.

 

 

We must prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised among us and place inclusive growth and shared sustainable growth the core of our collective efforts. Investing in education, healthcare, and social infrastructure, can uplift our populations and create a brighter future for future generations.

 

The recommendations from the 2023 Annual report certainly indicate this focus. It was excellent to listen to the recommendations from the Working Group Chairs yesterday. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for the many hours of work that have gone into the agreed recommendations that are in the annual report which will be presented to the Heads of State tomorrow.

 

As we go about today’s agenda, we must also take time to acknowledge and celebrate that our combined economic might and diverse resources are a driving force in the global economy. To add further context, remember that as the BRICS nations, we account for 25% of international trade, contribute over 30% of global GDP, and makeup just over 40% of the world’s population.

 

CONCLUSION

I encourage you all to make the most of the BRICS Business Forum and actively engage with one another, share your experiences, avenues for international trade and investment and propose actionable solutions that will shape the future of our nations and  the African continent.

 

Throughout our discussions, we must remember that our strength lies not only in our shared challenges but also in our shared aspirations. We must collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. By working together, we can create an environment that promotes a sustainable development and unleashes the transformative power of our BRIC nations and the African continent.

 

Finally, As you go about shaping this BRICS business forum, I leave you with a well-known Quote from President Nelson Mandela, “It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it.”

Thank you

Deputy Minister Majola to address the BRICS Inward Buying and Investment Business Forum in Gauteng

2023August – 2023Media AdvisoryMedia Statements

Members of the media are invited to the BRICS Inward Buying and Investment Business Forum that will be addressed by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Fikile Majola.

 

Date: Monday, 14 August 2023

Time: 08h00

Venue: The Capital On The Park
101 Katherine Street, Sandown, Sandton

 

The mission will serve as a platform for facilitating meaningful connections between international buyers and relevant South African partners, fostering business partnerships and expanding market access. The mission also aim to promote value-added exports, strengthen the inflow of foreign direct investment, and showcase investment opportunities available in South Africa.

 

RSVPs should be forwarded to Mamosa Dikeledi via cellphone 066 301 9875 or e-mail: MDikeledi@thedtic.gov.za 

 

Enquiries:

 

Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION (the dtic)


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