Results of the BRICS Business Forum: New Opportunities for the Forestry Complex and Global Cooperation

As part of Russia's BRICS presidency, a Business Forum was held in Moscow, which brought together representatives of the participating countries to discuss current issues of economic cooperation and investment. This year, the event was attended by delegates from Russia, Brazil, India, China, South Africa, as well as from the new members of the association - Egypt, Iran, the UAE and Ethiopia. Representatives of the Russian Timber Association took part in discussions dedicated to the development of the forestry complex.

• Speech by the President of Russia

On October 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the plenary session of the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow, noting the successful cooperation of the group's countries and their leading role in the global economy. According to him, the BRICS countries are the drivers of global economic growth and in the foreseeable future they will generate the bulk of the increase in global GDP.

Vladimir Putin also noted that the partnership of the self-sufficient economies of the BRICS countries allows them to successfully resist external pressure - this ensures their economic sovereignty. Moreover, the New BRICS Development Bank plays an important role, becoming one of the main investors in infrastructure and technology projects.

• BRICS Business Council: 2024 Results

One of the key events of the forum was the annual meeting of the BRICS Business Council, which summed up the work results for 2024. The chairman of the Russian part of the council, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergey Katyrin emphasized that this year's priority areas were improving transport and logistics connectivity, creating a unified digital infrastructure and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.

Particular attention was paid to the integration of new BRICS participants. Katyrin noted that from 2025, new member countries will be able to actively participate in the business agenda of the association.

• New forest certification system for BRICS countries

In addition, the Business Forum touched upon the topic of creating a unified forest certification system for the BRICS+ countries. This initiative acquired particular relevance during the Eastern Economic Forum, which was held from September 3 to 6 in Vladivostok and brought together representatives of the countries of the association. These countries account for more than 60% of the world's forest resources, and the introduction of a new certification system can significantly improve environmental and economic interaction between the participants. Such a decision will help the BRICS+ countries strengthen their positions in the global forest products market, as well as mutual cooperation in the field of sustainable forest management.