In this week’s round-up:
- BRICS nations voice concern over Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes
- China just opened its market to Africa
- Share of BRICS, SCO countries in global GDP to grow to 48% by 2050, says expert
- Energy shortages, BRICS, and Russian assistance: What’s next for Cuba
- Iranian flotilla returns after BRICS naval drill in South Africa
Share of BRICS, SCO countries in global GDP to grow to 48% by 2050, says expert
The economic potential of the BRICS and SCO countries is significantly higher than that of the G7 member states, according to the Chief Economist at VEB.RF Andrey Klepach, who added that their share of global GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) is expected to increase from 39% to 48% by 2050.
China just opened its market to Africa
Starting May 1, China is going to apply zero tariffs on 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. Not selected categories. Not a partial list. This applies to everything: agricultural goods, processed foods, textiles, minerals, and manufactured products, entering China from virtually the entire continent, duty-free.
TV BRICS to introduce Indian students to images of the Russian winter in literary texts
The TV BRICS International Media Network will hold a telebridge on 2 March 2026, titled “Russian winter in literary texts”, for students from India.
Iranian flotilla returns after BRICS naval drill in South Africa
After 100 days at sea and nearly 13,000 nautical miles travelled, the Iranian naval flotilla has returned home, completing its mission in the BRICS “Will for Peace 2026” joint exercise off the coast of South Africa.
BRICS nations voice concern over Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is closely monitoring developments along the shared border and considers it premature to draw final conclusions, though he warned that direct clashes “bring nothing good” for regional stability.
Energy shortages, BRICS, and Russian assistance: What’s next for Cuba
In an interview with Pravda.Ru, Victor Kheifets, Director of the Center for Ibero-American Studies at St. Petersburg State University and Editor-in-Chief of Latin America magazine, explains the current situation in Cuba, including the fuel crisis, potential Russian assistance, BRICS’ position, and the likelihood of Havana negotiating with the US amid economic collapse.
Official inauguration of the Russian Business Office (BRICS House) in Cambodia
The Russian Business Office (BRICS House) in Cambodia was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony on February 23. The event marked an important milestone in promoting trade cooperation and tourism between the Kingdom of Cambodia and BRICS member countries.
