At its annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro in July, the BRICS Business Council presented a comprehensive and forward-looking annual report, which outlines 47 private sector-led initiatives and a full suite of strategic recommendations across key economic sectors.
These recommendations aim to accelerate intra-BRICS cooperation, drive innovation, and reshape global trade through inclusive, sustainable growth.
The report arrives at a pivotal moment. With the recent inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia, BRICS now represents 48.5% of the global population, 39% of global GDP, and nearly a quarter of global trade. This expanded capacity, the Council notes, brings with it not just influence, but also responsibility—to lead the way in shaping a more balanced, resilient, and multipolar world economy.
The 2025 annual report adopts a three-tiered approach: high-level strategic recommendations to guide government policy, targeted policy actions, and 47 actionable private sector initiatives to bring these ideas to life.
At the heart of this approach is a renewed focus on cooperation, innovation, and investment.
From food security and climate resilience to green manufacturing and digital infrastructure, the Council sets forth practical pathways to deepen economic integration.
Key Recommendations by Sector
In agribusiness, the BBC calls for a unified BRICS food logistics and storage investment programme, enhanced by smart technologies to curb post-harvest losses.
A proposal for an Integrated Regulatory Framework for Food Security aims to harmonise sanitary and phytosanitary standards, ensuring smooth cross-border agricultural trade.
Notably, the Council proposes the creation of a BRICS regenerative agriculture programme, supported by a green credit market and funding mechanisms tailored to small-scale farmers transitioning to sustainable practices.
In aviation, the Council recommends a Multilateral Air Services Agreement to open new air traffic routes among BRICS nations.
Expedited visa procedures for business travellers and carbon reduction strategies through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel—including specific tax incentives and infrastructure development—were also endorsed.
The Council’s digital economy strategy calls for inclusive access and cybersecurity for MSMEs, underpinned by investments in digital infrastructure in underserved areas.
Through public-private partnerships, BRICS aims to advance AI deployment in health, education, and agriculture. Secure digital trade channels and integrated customs systems are also proposed to modernise commerce among members.
When it comes to energy, green economy and climate, a coordinated BRICS renewable energy strategy is proposed, including joint investments in infrastructure and R&D for clean energy technologies.
To ensure policy alignment, a unified clean energy regulatory framework would harmonise sustainability criteria and certification processes across BRICS.
In tandem, the Council recommends a harmonised circular economy policy, which aims to achieve resource efficiency in urban and industrial settings, bolstered by green financing incentives.
When it comes to financial services, the Council targets inclusive access to development and trade finance, particularly for SMEs.
It also prioritises the harmonisation of sustainable finance taxonomies to enable cross-border investments through green bonds and loans. Enhanced risk mitigation tools are proposed to attract long-term private and public capital for climate action.
In relation to infrastructure, transport and logistics, BRICS nations are urged to establish a joint infrastructure task force to identify priority logistics corridors. This would be supported by freight/passenger demand studies to ensure feasibility and demand-driven development.
The report also calls on the New Development Bank (NDB) to create a dedicated infrastructure fund and a fast-track process for approving low-carbon projects.
On the manufacturing front, the Council proposes a BRICS-wide sustainable manufacturing framework, including financial support mechanisms and common regulatory standards, in order to accelerate the green transition in industry.
In addition, a focus on technology sharing and innovation partnerships is encouraged through joint intellectual property (IP) frameworks and collaborative research funding.
Recognising the demands of the digital and green economy, the Council emphasises massive reskilling in high technologies, especially through TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions and university-industry collaboration.
Policy actions include financing upskilling programmes, expanding applied research, and reorienting labour policies to promote cross-sector mobility and employability.
To boost trade and investment, the BRICS Business Council places strong emphasis on reducing trade friction. It calls for regulatory convergence through aligned non-tariff measures and digital trade systems that simplify cross-border transactions.
A recommendation to negotiate BRICS-wide investment agreements and facilitate FDI flows includes proposals to strengthen IP protection, streamline profit repatriation, and harmonise investment policy frameworks.
