Brazil is part of the BRICS group: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. There are opportunities in this geostrategic partnership.

At the 2021 meeting, some interesting points were set.[1] In the field of the digital economy, there are recommendations for strengthening the digital infrastructure to favor cooperation and the promotion of new technologies that facilitate access to digital products and services.

Another recommendation is to digitalize the health sector through exchange programs in digital medical technologies among BRICS countries. In addition, it is recommended to strengthen the adoption of the smart factory with the exchange of best practices. Moreover, best practice exchange programs are encouraged, with sharing of experiences and collaboration on digital skills.

There are incentives to promote the development of digital trade platforms, with integration for small and medium-sized enterprises’ participation in exploring new markets. There are guidelines for the promotion of infrastructure financing and the exchange of best practices between countries. There are incentives for monetization of assets for investment in infrastructure construction and product and technology exchange among BRICS member countries to favor exports. There is the goal of improving logistics and transport and, respectively, connectivity with a focus on developing digital frameworks and interface for international logistics.

There is the intention of cooperation in the management of cities and urban infrastructure in the post-covid scenario. Another goal is developing green infrastructure and promoting sustainability best practices to attract investments in sustainable infrastructure. The creation of common platforms and a BRICS network is encouraged to facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences in precision technology for sustainable agriculture and intelligent management of climate change. Another goal is to facilitate the exchange of information regarding digital platforms for farms and precision agriculture.

There is also the objective to explore regional corridors for Agritech innovations. The creation of an agroforestry forum is also sought. The objective is to create favorable conditions for the expansion of agricultural trade among the BRICS countries. There are considerations on strengthening supply chain resilience. Another goal is the promotion of the digital economy and tools to support trade between countries. There are programs for strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises to strengthen development. Another topic is the establishment of mutual recognition agreements in authorized economic operator programs.

In the context of the digital economy, the sharing of experiences, best practices, and collaboration is sought for artificial intelligence in governance efficiency. There is the goal of strengthening digital infrastructure and cooperation for the promotion of new technologies and access to digital products and services, especially in 4G, 5G, artificial intelligence, robotics, internet of things, 3D printing, augmented reality, nanotechnology, biotechnology, quantum computing, among others. There is an intention to promote digitalization in the health and medical sector and exchange programs to develop digital technologies applied to health (local and global) among the BRICS countries. There is a demand for best practices exchanges in the smart factory segment, with systems connected by sensors. There are programs for the exchange of digital skills, with training in infrastructure and connectivity.

Another objective is to promote the development of local digital trade platforms and facilitate the integration of micro, small, and medium enterprises to explore new markets. Another theme in financial services is cooperation in financial technology (FINTECH) among BRICS countries. The sharing of experiences with digital technology is desired for the adoption of security and compliance parameters. Another aspect is the promotion of intellectual property financing through harmonization and adoption of evaluation methodology. As for medical equipment, there are incentives to create an environment for strengthening trade between the BRICS countries. There are several opportunities for Brazil. First, the expansion of its digital infrastructure in telecommunications networks and, respectively, the expansion of connectivity on a large scale, with the contribution of BRICS technology providers. Second, the expansion of Brazilian foreign trade through global digital platforms. Third, cooperation on cybersecurity issues, taking advantage of Russia’s and China’s experience. Fourth, the exchange of best practices on precision farming issues. Fifth, the robotization of factories, especially with Chinese technology. Sixth, the renewal of medical-hospital equipment through the import of technologies from BRICS countries. Seventh, the strengthening of the defense capacity of submarine cable networks, taking advantage of Russia’s and China’s expertise. Eight, there is the export of subsea oil and natural gas exploration technology from Brazil to BRICS countries.

Finally, there are opportunities in the scope of remote sensing services, a specialized niche strategic for agriculture, maritime transport, and air navigation, among other segments.

*All rights reserved. This article must not be reproduced or used without mentioning the source.

Ericson Scorsim. Lawyer and Consultant in Regulatory Communications Law. Ph.D. in Law from the University of São Paulo (USP). Author of the book “Jogo geopolitico das comunicações 5G – Estados Unidos, China e impacto sobre o Brasil” (The Geopolitical Game of 5G Communications – United States, China, and Impact on Brazil).

[1] BRICS. Business Council. Brics Business Council Annual Report. Intra-BRICS Cooperation for continuity consolidation and consensus. India, 2021.