Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the Expanded BRICS Summit in Brazil from July 4 to 8, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He will also engage in bilateral activities during his visit. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

Vietnam Emerges as a New BRICS Partner Nation 

On June 14, Vietnam was announced as the 10th BRICS partner nation, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. This is one of the proofs of Vietnam's rising international stature. BRICS currently comprises 11 member states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. BRICS serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for Global South countries and promotes cooperation in various fields.

BRICS Expansion and Increasing Global Influence 

BRICS began in the early 2000s as a four-nation bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China. In 2010, South Africa joined, giving the group its current name. Since then, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran have joined, rapidly expanding its influence. These countries account for approximately 40% of the world's population and over 30% of global GDP, playing a significant role in the global economic and political order.

The expansion of BRICS is interpreted not merely as an increase in member states but as a movement to present an alternative to the existing international order dominated by developed countries. It specifically seeks a multipolar world order in defiance of the influence of the United States and Western countries, asserting its role in representing the interests of developing countries. This stance contributes to BRICS establishing itself as a key platform representing the positions of Global South countries.

Significance and Expected Effects of Vietnam's Participation as a BRICS Partner 

Vietnam's participation as a BRICS partner holds significant meaning in several aspects. First, Vietnam gains an opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation with BRICS member countries. BRICS possesses a huge domestic market, and Vietnam can secure new drivers for economic growth by expanding trade and investment with them. Notably, BRICS countries offer high potential for cooperation in various sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation, which are expected to contribute to Vietnam's economic development.

Second, Vietnam can expand its influence on the international stage through BRICS. BRICS actively participates in major international organizations such as the UN and G20, contributing to the setting of global agendas. As a BRICS partner, Vietnam can participate in these discussions, reflect its own interests, and represent the voice of Southeast Asia and the ASEAN region.

Third, Vietnam can activate technology and knowledge exchange within BRICS. BRICS member countries have different strengths and development experiences, and Vietnam can acquire advanced technologies and knowledge in various fields such as agriculture, science and technology, and education through cooperation with them. This is expected to have a positive impact on Vietnam's sustainable development.

Finally, Vietnam's participation as a BRICS partner aligns with its foreign policy, which emphasizes the importance of multilateral diplomacy. Vietnam has actively participated in various international organizations and regional forums, expanding its role in the international community. Becoming a BRICS partner is part of this multilateral diplomatic strategy, contributing to Vietnam's balanced diplomacy in a complex international landscape.

Key Agendas to Be Discussed at the Brazil Summit 

Various topics are expected to be discussed at the Expanded BRICS Summit. Key agendas include: ▲global economic recovery and cooperation measures, ▲climate change and sustainable development, ▲food and energy security, and ▲the role of BRICS in a multipolar world order. Given the recent instability in international affairs and the increasing uncertainty in the global economy, BRICS countries are likely to seek joint responses to overcome these challenges.

Furthermore, the expansion of the role of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) and measures to revitalize trade among BRICS member states are also likely to be major topics. The NDB supports infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and is gaining attention as an alternative to the Western-led international financial system.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is expected to present Vietnam's position and contributions at the meeting, and through bilateral talks with BRICS member countries, he will focus on economic cooperation and attracting investment. Brazil, in particular, is one of Vietnam's important economic partners, and the meeting with President Lula da Silva is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Through this meeting, Vietnam will solidify its partnership with BRICS and establish an important opportunity to strengthen solidarity with Global South countries.