The BRICS Business Forum, held this Saturday (July 5) at Pier Mauá in Rio de Janeiro, brought together political and business leaders from the member countries to discuss strategies for strengthening cooperation among emerging economies. Organized by Brazil’s National Confederation of Industry (CNI), the event set the stage for the upcoming BRICS Heads of State Summit and featured a full day of high-level panels, bilateral meetings, and awards.
Opening the Forum, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that deeper integration among BRICS nations is essential for building a new global economic order. He pointed out that the bloc now accounts for over 40% of global GDP in purchasing power parity and posted an average growth of 4% in 2024 — above the global average.
“Bringing our productive sectors closer together is a fundamental pillar of the BRICS. The entrepreneurs gathered here are part of the dynamic engine of the global economy,” Lula stated.
The president also called for a fair ecological transition, a multilateral governance framework for artificial intelligence, and expanded use of local currencies — all framed as strategic tools to meet global challenges. He reminded the audience that developing nations have already proven their capacity to respond to major crises, and stressed the importance of defending multilateral trade and reforming global financial governance in the face of renewed protectionism.
Brazil’s Industry Advocates for Stronger Economic Ties
Ricardo Alban, President of CNI, reiterated the Brazilian private sector’s commitment to the BRICS agenda, highlighting the role of CNI as executive secretariat of both the BRICS Business Council (Cebrics) and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA). He noted that although BRICS countries traded over USD 1 trillion in 2023, there is still vast untapped potential for intrabloc commerce.
“Despite the individual economic strength of each BRICS country, the volume of trade between us remains modest compared to our trade with the rest of the world. We must move forward,” Alban said.
He pointed out that BRICS countries account for 36% of Brazil’s exports and hold over USD 51 billion in investments in the country. Alban also stressed the strategic role of Brazil’s industry in expanded BRICS value chains, especially in areas like energy transition, food security, infrastructure, and green technologies.
A Global Role for Brazil in Sustainability and Innovation
Alban underlined Brazil’s growing influence in global economic governance, citing its leadership in the G20, the B20, and the upcoming COP30 in Belém. He also announced that CNI is promoting the creation of a business forum dedicated to climate discussions — the Sustainable Business COP — as a space for aligning private sector action with climate goals.
“This convergence is not only positive for Brazil as a nation but also strengthens our productive sector’s ability to shape an integrated agenda that combines economic development, energy transition, sustainability, and social inclusion,” he noted.
Forum Highlights and Closing
The Forum featured four thematic panels covering key topics such as energy transition, trade and food security, skills development, financing for sustainable development, and innovation. The program included the participation of several high-profile speakers.
The day concluded with two award ceremonies — the BRICS Solutions Awards and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Startup Contest — recognizing innovative initiatives and women-led startups that are contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Institutional Coordination and Support
In 2025, both the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance are coordinated by the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI). The Business Forum is sponsored by XCMG, DP World, Keeta, WEG, Embraer, Vale, Febraban, Mebo International, Marfrig/BRF, and the national industry system entities SENAI, SESI, and IEL. Institutional support is provided by the National Council of SESI, the Brazilian Cooperative Organization (OCB), Natura, Sebrae, ApexBrasil, and the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan).
Check out the photo album to see highlights from the BRICS Business Forum 2025 in Rio.
