Russian President Vladimir Putin met with prime BRICS safety officers at this time on the Konstantinovsky Palace in Saint Petersburg. This assembly is a part of a two-day safety summit, with Russia holding the presidency for the yr.
Putin talked about that 34 nations have proven curiosity in becoming a member of BRICS. “We can not ignore the rising curiosity in BRICS from many nations,” he stated.
The group, which began with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has now added Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE.
It now represents practically 46% of the world’s inhabitants, accounts for 36% of world GDP, and handles 25% of world commerce. BRICS is changing into a severe participant in world politics and economics.
Rising markets, pissed off with Western monetary dominance, are more and more drawn to Putin and his buddies. This ties into the group’s purpose of constructing a multipolar world.
The founding BRICS members have been clear about their intention to reform world establishments just like the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Financial institution. Their purpose is to make these organizations fairer and fewer managed by Western powers, particularly the U.S.
One main subject mentioned was the upcoming launch of a brand new fee system referred to as BRICS Pay, which is meant to assist member nations commerce utilizing their very own currencies.
The system is predicted to launch in October, with 159 contributors from over 20 nations concerned. It’s designed as a blockchain different to SWIFT, the present system for worldwide funds.
Russia has already created its personal different to SWIFT, referred to as SPFS. Current U.S. rate of interest hikes have additionally brought about cash to circulation out of many International South nations, making their economies worse
BRICS nations see these new fee techniques as a strategy to keep away from counting on the greenback.
Although BRICS hasn’t formally adopted cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for commerce, talks about digital belongings are occurring. Russia and China are each excited by blockchain know-how.
There’s even speak of integrating Ripple’s XRP Ledger for cross-border funds, as was reported by Cryptopolitan. Brazil, below its new management, has additionally proven curiosity in utilizing Bitcoin and different cryptocurrencies to spice up monetary inclusion and create new fee choices.
On the U.S. entrance, Donald Trump, as soon as a critic of cryptocurrency, has made a whole 180. His 2024 presidential marketing campaign is now pro-crypto. He’s vowed to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet” if he will get again in workplace.
His newest enterprise, World Liberty Monetary, launching on September 16, is a crypto lending enterprise. In a latest announcement, Trump stated:
“We’re embracing the longer term with crypto and leaving the sluggish and outdated large banks behind.”
Trump even recommended that the U.S. ought to create a Bitcoin reserve and preserve the $5 billion value of Bitcoin the federal government has seized.
He’s additionally proven assist for decentralized finance (DeFi), opposing centralized digital currencies like Central Financial institution Digital Currencies (CBDCs).