The online meeting gathered members of BRICS chapters representing the nations of the group to set strategies for the upcoming forum in Rio de Janeiro this July 

The BRICS Business Council (BBC) convened its inaugural meeting (Feb 21), marking a significant milestone in its mission to promote economic growth and collaboration among business leaders within BRICS countries. This event attracted about 300 representatives and stakeholders from various sectors, underscoring the council’s commitment to fostering a cooperative business environment and advancing the economic agenda of the BRICS nations. 

The opening session also presented the BBC theme for this year: “Business Cooperation for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future” and the pillars of the forum: 

• Energy Transition and Sustainable Development 

• Strengthening Intra-BRICS trade and Supply Chain Integration 

• Innovation and Digital Transformation 

• BBC Governance and Integration of New Members 

Several high-profile participants were present, including industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from multinational corporations. The primary agenda items included the introduction of upcoming projects, the establishment of new collaborative frameworks, and the approval of organizational policies. During the Brazilian presidency, the forum will feature nine working groups representing the following sectors: Financial Services, Trade & Investment, Agribusiness, Digital Economy, Aviation, Manufacturing, Skills Development, Infrastructure, Green economy & Climate Energy. Each working group will focus on two recommendations.  

The BBC, under Brazil’s presidency, is coordinated by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) in 2025, and aims to position the national industry as a significant global actor in promoting priority agendas among BRICS, a group of emerging economies created in 2009 originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India and China, joined by South Africa in 2010, and more recently, in 2024, by Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. Amongst the working groups agenda, some critical focus is being highlighted, such as global sustainability, food security and innovation in agribusiness, aviation, collaboration in technological innovation and workforce skill development, trust and governance in the digital economy.  Discussion topics also include the pressing issue of energy and climate change, exploring the transition to sustainable energy practices and the development of a green economy, promoting circular economy principles within the BRICS context. Infrastructure development is another significant pillar, focusing on strengthening supply chains, trade facilitation, and investment attraction.   

According to Brazilian government data, BRICS represents 48.5% of the world’s population, 36% of the planet's territory, 39% of the global GDP (current prices) or 29% (constat prices), and 21.6% of international trade (source: TradeMap). In 2024, trade between Brazil and BRICS countries amounted to USD 210 billion, representing 35% of Brazil's total trade. Brazilian exports to BRICS totaled USD 121 billion, which is 36% of its total exports, and imports from BRICS were USD 88 billion, constituting 34% of Brazil's total imports (source: ComexVis). 

During the BBC inaugural meeting, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to the outlined objectives, expressing readiness to collaborate towards achieving common goals and expressed their willingness to come to Brazil to join the summit on July in Rio de Janeiro. The next meeting is scheduled to review the progress on the discussed initiatives and plan further actions. 

This inaugural meeting of the BRICS Business Council signifies the beginning of a dedicated effort to strengthen the council’s role in shaping economic policies and strategies, paving the way for a collaborative and prosperous future among BRICS nations.