Pretoria - The Brics mechanism was born as a result of the profound changes in international situation and the rising of the developing countries. It is a platform set up by the emerging economies to advance peace, development and cooperation. Facing dramatic changes in the international arena, Brics countries have been adhering to their historical missions of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development in the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, cooperation and win-win progress. Brics countries thus have become important players in international relations and active builders of the international system, with the commitment to motivating world economic growth, global governance, South-South cooperation and common development.
Brics is a dependable growth engine for world economy. Over the past ten years, Brics countries have contributed to over 50% of world economic growth. Against the backdrop of sluggish global economic recovery after the outbreak of international financial crisis, Brics countries have joined hands to cleave through challenges and become an important anchor and engine of world economy. All the five Brics countries have been enjoying domestic stability. Their competitive edge in market demand and natural resources remains unchanged, their process of industrialisation and urbanisation remains unchanged, and their commitment to the construction of integrated markets, multi-tiered network, connectivity by land, air and sea, and greater cultural exchanges remains unchanged. Looking ahead, the prospect of Brics countries is promising, and their development will infuse more energy into the world economy.
Brics is an active contributor of global governance. Brics countries have been actively participating in global governance for a more just and equitable international political and economic order. They call for greater democracy in international relations with inclusiveness of different social systems, mutual learning from different civilizations and cultures, win-win results for different development models, and justice and equality for major international and hotspot issues. By working closely in the UN, G20, IMF, World Bank and WTO, they speak with one voice on major issues such as Post-2015 Development Agenda, climate change, anti-terrorism, cyber security and IMF reform, bringing new vitality to global economic governance. Meanwhile, they have been helping to improve the international financial system by working to set up Brics New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
Brics is a frontrunner of South-South cooperation. As an important platform for South-South cooperation in the new era, Brics advocates open cooperation. It not only expands space and areas in cooperation within the Brics countries, but also offers new opportunities to developing countries at large, and thus helps advance South-South cooperation. The Brics New Development Bank will finance infrastructure construction for Brics members and other developing countries, setting up a new model for South-South cooperation. As the rotating chair of G77 and the seat of the Brics New Development Bank Africa Regional Center, South Africa plays an outstanding role in strengthening practical cooperation between Brics and the African continent. Driven by Brics, South-South cooperation will be elevated in its level, accelerated in pace and expanded in fields.
Brics is a propeller of common development. The Brics mechanism has been improved to perfection, with the framework of summit meetings in the lead, and the ministerial meetings and practical cooperation in various fields as pillars, which brings real benefits to its member states. There is enormous potential for future cooperation between Brics countries as their economies are highly complementary, the trade among them reaches $400 billion and the increment of their domestic demands accounts for half of the world's.
China highly values its cooperation with South Africa and other members of Brics. Our bilateral ties have never been as strong as today. During President Zuma' s successful visit to China last year, the two sides signed the Five-to-Ten Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation, outlining a grand blueprint for deepened practical cooperation in various fields. This year marks the Year of China in South Africa, the Sixth Conference of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will also be held in South Africa, our bilateral cooperation under the framework of Brics will continue to inject fresh impetus into China-South Africa and China-Africa relations.
With the theme “Brics Partnership - a Powerful Factor of Global Development”, the current Brics summit will chart the course for Brics's future on the achievements of the past six summits. The giant ship of Brics, loaded with the great expectations from the people of its five member countries, is forging ahead toward an even brighter future.
* Tian Xuejun is China's ambassador to South Africa
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.