Egyptian analysts welcome Xi's BRICS vision, highlight growth chances

Egyptian experts welcomed Xi's call for stronger BRICS cooperation, saying China's push to unite Global South nations could open new opportunities for Egypt in artificial intelligence (AI), trade and digital growth.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday proposed five initiatives on "greater BRICS" cooperation in areas of AI, trade and investment facilitation, digital industry, smart manufacturing, and talent development.

Xi made the proposals when attending the second day of BRICS summit in New Delhi, India.

"It is significant that the Chinese president has called on BRICS countries to invest in information technology and artificial intelligence. China is now a global economic engine in digitalization, artificial intelligence and technology sectors. China shares such technologies with other countries, especially those in the Global South, and expands cooperation in these fields. China also provides these technologies unconditionally to Global South countries. This is a genuine opportunity for Egypt to learn from China's experience and cooperate with China in AI and digitalization," said Ahmed Saeed Ahmed, an international relations expert.

Beyond bilateral technology transfer, experts also point to multilateral frameworks such as BRICS as a wider platform where Egypt and China can align their development strategies.

"BRICS accounts for about half of the world's population and more than one-third of global national income. So any interaction or growth in bilateral trade among its members will impact the global system as well as the concept of South-South cooperation. This is also the direction China is advancing, and Egypt is pushing forward in the same vein by maximizing the benefits of these groups," said Samy Kamhawi, an expert on Asian affairs.

The "New Delhi Declaration" adopted on the first day of the summit has underscored the importance of dialogue among member nations and international cooperation; meanwhile, China's upcoming assumption of the BRICS presidency in 2027 is set to enhance opportunities for translating cooperation into tangible projects among Global South nations.

Xi's remarks highlighted China's pivotal role in steering BRICS toward more pragmatic cooperation, a move that will open up broader opportunities for development and partnership for Egypt and Arab nations.

BRICS was initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining later. The bloc has since grown to 11 member countries and 10 partner countries, becoming an important force in advancing a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations.

Egyptian analysts welcome Xi's BRICS vision, highlight growth chances

The three-day 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum will hold a series of warm-up events on Tuesday, the opening day, to promote in-depth exchanges between representatives on advancing global stability and security.

The events will include high-level interviews, dialogues between Chinese and foreign experts, and dialogues among young officers and scholars. "This year, we will launch the Xiangshan New Voices Program. We want to promote global governance, advance construction of a more just and equitable international governance system and make our world more stable and predictable. Who cares the most? I believe it is the youth," said Li Shuyin, director of the secretariat office of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. The forum will focus on prominent international security issues and defense trends, comprehensively covering topics such as traditional and non-traditional security, global governance, regional hotspots, military technology, and the international rule of law.

It will also feature closed-door academic sessions, enabling participants from different regions and backgrounds to engage in candid, in-depth discussions.

"All representatives attending the forum, regardless of their countries' size, can share an equal voice in expressing their concerns and national interests. This provides a platform for exchanges and mutual learning that help bridge differences, resolve conflicts, and build consensus," said Tong Zhen, a researcher with the Academy of Military Sciences.

This year's forum marks the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum and is themed "Build Consensus on Stability, Advance Security Governance Together." "Chaos, shifts and turbulence are the keywords defining the current international landscape this year. Against this backdrop, the international community calls for stability, so we should build consensus [on stability]. Yet consensus alone is insufficient and there is also need for governance. So, we also have advancing security governance together as another part of the forum theme. Security governance is a key component of China's Global Governance Initiative and an important embodiment of China's policy stance," said Li.

The Beijing Xiangshan Forum was launched in 2006 as a "track-two" think-tank exchange.

Over the past two decades, it has expanded to include government officials, military leaders and scholars from more than 100 countries. The forum has evolved into a vital international public good, offering a space for equal dialogue and joint efforts toward global peace.

Upcoming Xiangshan Forum to hold warm-up events on promoting global stability, security