A forum bringing together government officials, business leaders, and financial institutions from BRICS countries convened in New Delhi on Friday to discuss ways to turn connections into practical cooperation -- from digital collaboration to skills development.
The BRICS Business Forum 2026 took place as India prepares to host leaders from BRICS member states, partner countries, and invited guests for the grouping's 18th summit from Saturday to Sunday.
With a focus on building more connected and resilient trade networks, forum participants said they were exploring ways to link companies across the much wider BRICS markets, including supply-chain connectivity, logistics, and regulatory cooperation.
"Indonesia is a relatively new member of BRICS. We are facilitating our business association, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, in connecting with their counterparts in the business community in all BRICS member countries to explore more collaboration and investment cooperation," said Erwin Muhammad Akbar, minister counselor (Economic) at the Embassy of Indonesia in India.
"Our main focus is on technological development and technological innovation. We seek to achieve international connectivity and mutual recognition in the development of skilled talent standards," said He Yong, dean of the ECR Academy, a China-based digital and tech skills platform offering online and physical training.
Digital technology is emerging as an important link between businesses. Participants said digital platforms can help companies connect across borders and create more market opportunities.
"We are looking at technology as one of the solutions to strengthen BRICS, because once you have a digital platform, it's easier for the different citizens and businesses and countries to be able to communicate with each other, to be able to expose business opportunities. And obviously, there will be challenges in terms of digital gap and so on. But that also creates a digital infrastructure investment opportunity," said Mtho Xulu, president of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Since its inception two decades ago, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has grown into a grouping of 11 full member states and 10 partner countries, together representing major emerging markets and developing economies across the globe.
BRICS business forum in New Delhi pushes for practical cooperation ahead of 18th summit
BRICS business forum in New Delhi pushes for practical cooperation ahead of 18th summit
