A BRICS manifesto full of promise
Memorandum to expand aviation co-operation signed
THE heads of state of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa committed to enhancing strategic partnership to benefit their countries’ citizens through promoting peace, a fairer international order, sustainable development and inclusive growth.
In a declaration at the 10th Summit of their BRICS formation, the leaders also resolved to strengthen co-operation in the areas of economy, peace and security and people-to-people exchanges, reaffirming their commitment to mutual respect, sovereign equality, democracy and inclusiveness.
The July 25-27 BRICS meeting is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre under the theme “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4th Industrial Revolution”. The latter refers to the fourth major industrial era since the initial one of the 18th century, marked by emerging technology breakthroughs in robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, The Internet of Things, 3D printing and autonomous vehicles.
“We recognise the importance of BRICS scientific, technical, innovation and entrepreneurship co-operation for sustainable development and to enhance inclusive growth,” the leaders said. We welcome the dynamic development of BRICS co-operation in science, technology and innovation...”
They also undertook to strengthen BRICS co-operation in energy, especially in transitioning to more environmentally sustainable energy systems supportive of the global sustainable development agenda, balanced economic growth and the socio-economic well-being of citizens. BRICS member states continued to strive towards universal energy access, energy security, energy affordability, reduced pollution and environmental conservation and the diversification of energy supply sources.
Intra-BRICS collaboration for access to primary energy sources would continue to underpin their energy security, the declaration added.
The BRICS heads of state welcomed the improvement in the global economy, but noted that growth had been less synchronised and downside risks still remained.
“This is reflected in a variety of challenges including rising trade conflicts, geopolitical risks, commodity price volatility, high private and public indebtedness, inequality and not sufficiently inclusive growth,” they said - African News Agency (ANA)
The link to the Johannesburg Declaration can be accessed at https://bit. ly/2LGMK3k
TRANSPORT ministers from South Africa, Russia, India and China signed a memorandum to expand and deepen co-operation in regional aviation on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg.
“We have signed this agreement on the basis of understanding and mutual benefits in order to bolster our regional aviation transport sector, to share good practice and open socio-economic and development opportunities among the member states,” South Africa’s Transport Minister Blade Nzimande said yesterday.
The signatories would share public policies and best practices, particularly in regional airports management, airport infrastructure management, air navigation services, innovation and training, particularly of pilots.
“This agreement will ensure that our country continues to have adequate and highly skilled aviation professionals who are available to operate, manage and maintain our air transport system, taking it to greater heights,” Nzimande added.
Business Leadership SA (BLSA) also urged the private sector to help build on the BRICS Summit by matching and taking advantage of the investment opportunities presented by the summit and associated business forums.
This follows the announcement of $14.7 billion (R194.4bn) worth of investments by China, complementing the pledges of $10bn each from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). BLSA chief executive Bonang Mohale said they have been working with presidential envoys to help drive the project to recruit $100bn in foreign direct investment and another $100bn made up of domestic direct investment. “The investment announcement was a timely boost ahead of such an important gathering. We would like to see the local private sector match these efforts and help unlock the opportunities presented by these investments,” Mohale said.
“Our board remains committed to ensuring that local business matches – rand for rand – the FDI target. We are confident this is achievable. – African News Agency (ANA)