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BRICS expanded without Bangladesh

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BRICS expanded without Bangladesh

WORLD+BIZ

TBS Report
24 August, 2023, 10:25 pm
Last modified: 24 August, 2023, 10:37 pm

Starting from 1 January 2024, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt will officially become part of the group​

China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Nic Bothma

China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Nic Bothma

China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Nic Bothma

Over two dozen countries, including Bangladesh, expressed their interest in joining the BRICS group of nations, but only six of them have been approved as new members of the bloc by the five founding countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – bringing the total tally to 11.

Starting from 1 January 2024, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt will officially become part of the group. Among these nations, there are major oil producers from the Middle East. This signifies the integration of significant players from the global oil industry into the BRICS alliance.

Back in June this year, Bangladesh formally expressed its desire to join BRICS. Since then, the topic has garnered attention within the country, with various media outlets presenting news reports and articles detailing the potential advantages and disadvantages of BRICS membership.


BRICS invites six countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran to be new members

As of 2021, the BRICS bloc represents 31.5% of global GDP and encompasses 42% of the world's population, surpassing the G7's share of global GDP, which has decreased to 30%.

With the inclusion of these six new countries, the collective GDP share of the BRICS nations would rise significantly.

China to support Bangladesh in joining BRICS

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday reassured that his country will always stay beside Bangladesh in its needs including providing support in joining the BRICS and ensuring a permanent solution to the Rohingya issue, reports BSS from South Africa where the heads of states of BRICS gathered to attend the 15th summit.

"I will always support you [Sheikh Hasina] so you can join BRICS," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen quoted Xi as telling Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a bilateral talk on the sidelines of the summit, reports BSS.


BRICS PLUS: China proposes new name as member states agree on expansion
The Chinese president also said, "China will help Bangladesh bring a permanent solution to the Rohingya issue, we don't want instability in the region."

Xi Jinping called on China and Bangladesh to push for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and give full play to their economic complementarity, adds China Daily.

He also said China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability, and achieve development and revitalisation.

After the meeting at the Hotel Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, Momen said in a media briefing that Xi wants to resolve the Rohingya issue through a tripartite engagement of China, Bangladesh and Myanmar.


Xi assures Bangladesh of support in joining BRICS, solving Rohingya issue
Xi also gave assurance of cooperation in making Bangladesh a developed and prosperous Sonar (golden) Bangla, said Momen.

He continued, "China will help you to materialise your dream to build a developed and prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' at the quickest possible time."

Sheikh Hasina has sought Xi's help in the quick implementation of some Chinese-funded projects which are now being stuck in a funding crisis while the Chinese president assured of looking into the matter.

During the talks, the prime minister stressed the need for reducing the trade gap between Bangladesh and China citing that Bangladesh imports Chinese goods worth about $20 billion every year while China imports Bangladeshi goods worth only $700 million.

"The trade gap between Bangladesh and China will be reduced if some Chinese investments come into Bangladesh," Sheikh Hasina said.


BRICS needs to be lighthouse of multi-polar world: PM

She also stressed the need for signing the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries, Momen said.

In reply, the Chinese president said, "We will take measures to quicken the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement between the two countries."

Other issues discussed at the BRICS Summit

In addition to the enlargement of the bloc, BRICS leaders discussed a wide array of issues – from reforming multilateral financial institutions and international organisations to the use of local currencies in trade, alternative financial arrangements and alternative payment systems.

"As BRICS, we are ready to explore opportunities for improving the stability, reliability and fairness of the global financial architecture. The summit agreed to task the BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors, as appropriate, to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to the leaders by the next summit," said Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa and the chair of the BRICS Summit.

He said the leaders reiterated their commitment to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

"We are concerned about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world. We stress our commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and inclusive consultation," he concluded.

 
BRICS expanded without Bangladesh

WORLD+BIZ

TBS Report
24 August, 2023, 10:25 pm
Last modified: 24 August, 2023, 10:37 pm

Starting from 1 January 2024, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt will officially become part of the group​

China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Nic Bothma

China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Nic Bothma

China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Nic Bothma

Over two dozen countries, including Bangladesh, expressed their interest in joining the BRICS group of nations, but only six of them have been approved as new members of the bloc by the five founding countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – bringing the total tally to 11.

Starting from 1 January 2024, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt will officially become part of the group. Among these nations, there are major oil producers from the Middle East. This signifies the integration of significant players from the global oil industry into the BRICS alliance.

Back in June this year, Bangladesh formally expressed its desire to join BRICS. Since then, the topic has garnered attention within the country, with various media outlets presenting news reports and articles detailing the potential advantages and disadvantages of BRICS membership.


BRICS invites six countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran to be new members

As of 2021, the BRICS bloc represents 31.5% of global GDP and encompasses 42% of the world's population, surpassing the G7's share of global GDP, which has decreased to 30%.

With the inclusion of these six new countries, the collective GDP share of the BRICS nations would rise significantly.

China to support Bangladesh in joining BRICS

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday reassured that his country will always stay beside Bangladesh in its needs including providing support in joining the BRICS and ensuring a permanent solution to the Rohingya issue, reports BSS from South Africa where the heads of states of BRICS gathered to attend the 15th summit.

"I will always support you [Sheikh Hasina] so you can join BRICS," Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen quoted Xi as telling Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a bilateral talk on the sidelines of the summit, reports BSS.


BRICS PLUS: China proposes new name as member states agree on expansion
The Chinese president also said, "China will help Bangladesh bring a permanent solution to the Rohingya issue, we don't want instability in the region."

Xi Jinping called on China and Bangladesh to push for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and give full play to their economic complementarity, adds China Daily.

He also said China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability, and achieve development and revitalisation.

After the meeting at the Hotel Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, Momen said in a media briefing that Xi wants to resolve the Rohingya issue through a tripartite engagement of China, Bangladesh and Myanmar.


Xi assures Bangladesh of support in joining BRICS, solving Rohingya issue
Xi also gave assurance of cooperation in making Bangladesh a developed and prosperous Sonar (golden) Bangla, said Momen.

He continued, "China will help you to materialise your dream to build a developed and prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' at the quickest possible time."

Sheikh Hasina has sought Xi's help in the quick implementation of some Chinese-funded projects which are now being stuck in a funding crisis while the Chinese president assured of looking into the matter.

During the talks, the prime minister stressed the need for reducing the trade gap between Bangladesh and China citing that Bangladesh imports Chinese goods worth about $20 billion every year while China imports Bangladeshi goods worth only $700 million.

"The trade gap between Bangladesh and China will be reduced if some Chinese investments come into Bangladesh," Sheikh Hasina said.


BRICS needs to be lighthouse of multi-polar world: PM

She also stressed the need for signing the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries, Momen said.

In reply, the Chinese president said, "We will take measures to quicken the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement between the two countries."

Other issues discussed at the BRICS Summit

In addition to the enlargement of the bloc, BRICS leaders discussed a wide array of issues – from reforming multilateral financial institutions and international organisations to the use of local currencies in trade, alternative financial arrangements and alternative payment systems.

"As BRICS, we are ready to explore opportunities for improving the stability, reliability and fairness of the global financial architecture. The summit agreed to task the BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors, as appropriate, to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to the leaders by the next summit," said Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa and the chair of the BRICS Summit.

He said the leaders reiterated their commitment to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

"We are concerned about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world. We stress our commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and inclusive consultation," he concluded.


Bloody Ethiopia let in and not Bangladesh!

Hinduvta does know how to punch itself in the face.

No wonder Hasina prefers Chinese investment.

Expect a massive pivot towards China once the election is over.
 
I don’t know why China is blocking Bangladesh’ membership to BRICS. China always had problems with Bangladesh. During the 1971 war, they had vetoed Bangladesh’ entry to the UN. Also, China refused to recognize Bangladesh till 1975.

We would really like it if China and Bangladesh get along well and resolve all their outstanding disputes through bilateral talks. We want all our neighbors to have peaceful relationships. 😁
 
I don’t know why China is blocking Bangladesh’ membership to BRICS. China always had problems with Bangladesh. During the 1971 war, they had vetoed Bangladesh’ entry to the UN. Also, China refused to recognize Bangladesh till 1975.

We would really like it if China and Bangladesh get along well and resolve all their outstanding disputes through bilateral talks. We want all our neighbors to have peaceful relationships. 😁
China's obstruction of Bangladesh's entry into BRICS is rooted in its relationship with Pakistan. Pakistan is unlikely to support Bangladesh's inclusion in BRICS, due to its own interests. However, if China supports Bangladesh's entry, India might consider reciprocating by agreeing to Pakistan's inclusion in BRICS.
 
I don’t know why China is blocking Bangladesh’ membership to BRICS. China always had problems with Bangladesh. During the 1971 war, they had vetoed Bangladesh’ entry to the UN. Also, China refused to recognize Bangladesh till 1975.

We would really like it if China and Bangladesh get along well and resolve all their outstanding disputes through bilateral talks. We want all our neighbors to have peaceful relationships. 😁

Its India and Brazil blocked Bangladesh’s membership primarily because China proposed it and it can gives the impression it will be an anti western move. Plus prior election May be they did not want to give Hasina a carrot which she can use as a success. Similar policy recently taken by EU as they decided against any high level visit prior election which Hasina government can use as a propaganda.

BRICS expansion: Why Bangladesh could not make it this time​

Nurul Islam Hasib
Publish : 24 Aug 2023, 19:19

BRICS expansion: Why Bangladesh could not make it this time

The final-day decision to expand the BRICS group at its three-day South Africa summit and admit six countries as new members from the beginning of the next year has surprised many in Dhaka as Bangladesh is not on the list.

The grouping of five major emerging economies – China, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, and India – agreed on “the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process” before endorsing Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Argentina as new members.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation in the summit events in Johannesburg generated much interest in Bangladesh since June when the host South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa invited her during a meeting in Geneva.

After that meeting, there were reports that Bangladesh was going to be a member of the bloc if expanded.

Bangladesh also applied formally for the membership, a decision that analysts argued was a gesture to offset Washington’s pressure on the upcoming general election. BRICS is being seen as a counterweight to Western powers.

What happened?

International relations expert Prof Dr Imtiaz Ahmed suggests three reasons why Bangladesh did not make it to the list.

"For the first time, BRICS set criteria to take new members. We need to see that criteria whether we match or not. Second, there were issues of consensus in inducting new members. If we don’t match with the criteria, then it’ll not come to the table,” he told Dhaka Tribune.

“But another aspect, I think Bangladesh also took a go-slow strategy at the moment. It’s maybe because of the upcoming general elections,” he said, indicating that the government did not want to give any message to the West by joining the bloc.

“But I think the presence of our prime minister there at the summit events means that we'll have good relations with the BRICS. That's important. When we have good relations, we will get the benefits of the BRICS process. We are already a member of the BRICS bank,” he said.

“I think Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping was more important than anything else,” Prof Shahab Enam Khan of the international relations department of the Jahangirnagar University told Dhaka Tribune.

“President Xi has expressed China's commitment to facilitate a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis which is increasingly becoming a regional crisis. Both countries are committed to keeping the region stable and further strengthening the trade ties
“However, it was well anticipated that Bangladesh's membership to BRICS would be delayed despite China's strong support. Amid all the geopolitical equations within BRICS, Bangladesh-China strategic relations have become further stronger as a result of this meeting,” said Prof Khan.

A senior official at the foreign ministry told Dhaka Tribune that they were not expecting Bangladesh’s membership this time.

“We have applied after the June meeting of our prime minister. Those who became members were in the process for long. This is the first phase of expansion. And it’s good that the expansion happened despite the initial division of opinions among the members. Now this will open the opportunity for us to be a member in future,” the official told Dhaka Tribune, requesting anonymity.

This expansion decision is part of the BRICS plan to build dominance and reshape global governance into a “multipolar” world order that puts the voices of the Global South at the centre of the world agenda.

“This membership expansion is historic,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation. It will bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development,” he said after the decision.

More than 40 countries had expressed interest in joining BRICS, of them 23 formally applied to join the bloc, which together account for about a quarter of the global economy and 41.9% of the world’s population.

A foreign ministry official, talking to Dhaka Tribune, indicated that they would issue a statement on BRICS soon.

 
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I don’t know why China is blocking Bangladesh’ membership to BRICS. China always had problems with Bangladesh. During the 1971 war, they had vetoed Bangladesh’ entry to the UN. Also, China refused to recognize Bangladesh till 1975.

We would really like it if China and Bangladesh get along well and resolve all their outstanding disputes through bilateral talks. We want all our neighbors to have peaceful relationships. 😁

China's obstruction of Bangladesh's entry into BRICS is rooted in its relationship with Pakistan. Pakistan is unlikely to support Bangladesh's inclusion in BRICS, due to its own interests. However, if China supports Bangladesh's entry, India might consider reciprocating by agreeing to Pakistan's inclusion in BRICS.


China wanted Bangladesh in BRICS. India was the one that opposed it. Read the latest news on this. Not sure why others incl China agreed to let Bangladesh go. Many factors in play though. Not ruling out China also wishes for this for other bilateral maneuvers.
 
China wanted Bangladesh in BRICS. India was the one that opposed it. Read the latest news on this. Not sure why others incl China agreed to let Bangladesh go. Many factors in play though. Not ruling out China also wishes for this for other bilateral maneuvers.

Very sad to see China not pushing BD's case.

Ethiopia was inducted to balance out Egypt.

Iran was inducted to balance out KSA & UAE

Argentina was inducted to balance out Brazil.

So why was Bangladesh not inducted to balance out India?
 
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China wanted Bangladesh in BRICS. India was the one that opposed it. Read the latest news on this. Not sure why others incl China agreed to let Bangladesh go. Many factors in play though. Not ruling out China also wishes for this for other bilateral maneuvers.
You are right. China offered her full support for Bangladesh's admission into BRICS. But Bangladesh's so called time tested friend India blocked our entry into BRICS.
 
You are right. China offered her full support for Bangladesh's admission into BRICS. But Bangladesh's so called time tested friend India blocked our entry into BRICS.

China should have kick out India and inducted BD.

Very dissappointed with China.

Who needs enemies like India when you have friends like China who do not fight for you.
 
Very sad to China not pushing BD's case.

Ethiopia was inducted to balance out Egypt.

Iran was inducted to balance out KSA & UAE

Argentina was inducted to balance out Brazil.

So why was Bangladesh not inducted to balance out India?

You are right. China offered her full support for Bangladesh's admission into BRICS. But Bangladesh's so called time tested friend India blocked our entry into BRICS.

Honestly not sure why china didn't insist on Bangladesh entering. We should remember we don't have all the information.

Consider that china is not the boss of BRICS and India has equal leverage and say.

That India and China have recently done a lot of talking in private and may have hashed out plans for the future relating to global power dynamics. Possibly nothing more than usual talk over de-escalations about border tensions. Possibly to co-ordinate and best mutually navigate the oncoming global economic collapse. We have to remember that china has US on it's mind of concern.

Bangladesh may proceed with bilateral deals with India and China outside of the scope of BRICS.
 
Consider that china is not the boss of BRICS and India has equal leverage and say.

China could have joined hands with the remaining three nations to put pressure on India.

You should have given an ultimatum to India that either you are with BRICS or out of BRICS.
 
That India and China have recently done a lot of talking in private and may have hashed out plans for the future relating to global power dynamics. Possibly nothing more than usual talk over de-escalations about border tensions. Possibly to co-ordinate and best mutually navigate the oncoming global economic collapse. We have to remember that china has US on it's mind of concern.

India is a slave of the west.

Never trust them.
 
China should have kick out India and inducted BD.

Very dissappointed with China.

Who needs enemies like India when you have friends like China who do not fight for you.
China could have joined hands with the remaining three nations to put pressure on India.

You should have given an ultimatum to India that either you are with BRICS or out of BRICS.

That depends on those other members and no such ultimatum can really be forced on India unless another group is started without her.

The fact remains that we will have to see how these nations decide on setting up new agreements and frameworks for trade and cooperation.
 

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