Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Xi Pitches BRICS Economic Links Through Special Zones
BRICS is a group of countries trying to work more closely on trade and economic issues.
The group has grown beyond its original five members.
Xi Jinping suggested connecting special economic zones in different BRICS countries.
These zones can make it easier for companies to build factories and invest.
India wants countries to connect their payment systems and use their own currencies for trade.
China also plans a forum about services and a zone for sharing artificial-intelligence technology.
The proposals are meant to make trade easier without creating one shared currency.
The main challenge is connecting countries with different rules, currencies and economies.
Xi Jinping proposed linking special economic zones across BRICS economies to strengthen trade, investment and supply chains.
China will host a BRICS Service Trade Forum in 2027 and establish a BRICS AI Open Source Zone.
India has urged members and partner countries to connect payment systems and use national currencies for trade.
BRICS now includes 10 full members and 10 partner countries across several regions.
The expanded bloc accounts for nearly one-fourth of global trade, but members still face differing currencies, regulations and industrial structures.
- Who
- BRICS members, partner countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
- What
- Members discussed proposals to deepen trade, investment, payment, supply-chain and technology cooperation, including linked special economic zones.
- When
- The proposals were made at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday; China is scheduled to host a services forum in 2027.
- Where
- The proposals were presented at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, and concern economies across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
- Why
- The initiatives aim to reduce practical barriers to commerce and create stronger economic links among the expanded BRICS membership.
- BRICS full members
- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia and the UAE
- BRICS partner countries
- 10 countries participate as partners
- Proposed economic network
- A BRICS Special Economic Zone partnership linking special economic zones across member economies
- China’s 2027 plans
- Host a BRICS Service Trade Forum and establish a BRICS AI Open Source Zone
- India’s priorities
- Payment-system connectivity, national-currency trade, easier market access and simpler regulations
- Global trade share
- BRICS accounts for nearly one-fourth of global trade, according to India’s commerce ministry
- Common currency
- The initiatives seek easier trade without requiring a common currency or single economic market