At the BRICS business forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that the group will drive much of the world’s economic growth in the coming years.

“The work of BRICS is not directed against anyone. It is aimed only at one general task: sustainable development and the flourishing of our countries and peoples,” he said.

With a GDP exceeding $60 trillion, BRICS accounts for about 37.4 percent of global GDP. The bloc, which includes six African countries-Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia-offers enormous opportunities for collaboration. Busi Mabuza, chairwoman of the BRICS Business Council of South Africa, said that participation in BRICS has already fostered trade growth for her country. Alaa Ezz, secretary general of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, also highlighted the importance of infrastructure projects with BRICS member states, thus providing mutual benefits.

Source: Africa News Agency