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At the XII International Forum “The Eurasian Economic Perspective” held on December 12-13, 2024, in St. Petersburg, the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance South Africa, represented by its National Chairperson, Ms Lebogang Zulu and its Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Moyahabo Maela, actively participated in discussions that are central to Eurasian economic integration. Hosted at the historic Tauride Palace, this prestigious forum, established by the State Duma of the Russian Federation, gathered dignitaries from across Eurasia to foster parliamentary and other forms of cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and beyond. This year’s forum was particularly significant as it aligned with several landmark anniversaries and a year marked by substantial geopolitical events, including the expansion of the BRICS association.
The discussions at the forum centered on the theme “Integration cooperation in Greater Eurasia as the basis of a new multipolar world.” This theme provided a backdrop for reviewing the roles and future potential of regional and trans-regional organizations such as the EAEU, SCO, CIS, SREB, and the BRICS+ association. The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance South Africa’s contribution to these discussions was profound, with a focus on sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, creative industries, tourism, healthcare, education, culture, innovative technologies, and sustainable development. Their involvement underscored the pivotal role that BRICS nations, particularly South Africa, play in the socio-economic agendas of emerging markets.
A major highlight of the forum was the signing of two significant cooperation agreements involving the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance South Africa. The first agreement was with St. Petersburg State University of Economics (UNECON), aimed at enhancing mutual awareness and facilitating collaboration between the participating member states. This agreement focuses on promoting international development, understanding, and friendship through stimulating and supporting educational, professional, and intercultural activities. It encompasses initiatives such as joint research activities, exchanges of faculty and students, and the sharing of academic resources and materials, which are intended to enrich both academic communities.
The second agreement signed at the forum involved the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance South Africa, Far Eastern State Transport University (FESTU), Thai Logistics Service Company Limited (TML), and Connect Africa Holdings (CAH), focusing on the ambitious Chitima-Moatize-Macuse Railway and Port Project. This project is expected to drive sustainable economic development in Africa by enhancing infrastructure and operational excellence across the region. The Memorandum of Cooperation delineates the roles and responsibilities of each party, including leveraging FESTU’s extensive expertise in transportation and facilitating educational and training programs to support project sustainability. These strategic collaborations not only highlight the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance South Africa’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure in Africa but also showcase their role in spearheading international cooperation to achieve significant socio-economic outcomes, enhancing connectivity and economic integration in the region.
