Ministry explains Brics economic benefit, military cooperation

The Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry believes Malaysia could reap various economic benefits through closer engagement with the Brics bloc.

One advantage is using Brics as a platform to present its views and positions on regional economic issues through discussions with member countries.

“Engagement in these dialogues and discussions opens the door for Malaysia to diversify and strengthen strategic relations with Brics member nations.

“By emphasising neutrality without compromising existing relationships with major trading partners, Malaysia can seize the opportunity to enhance economic ties with countries such as Brazil, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates in strategic sectors like the halal industry, biodiversity, and sustainable development,” said the ministry.

Its written reply on Parliament’s website yesterday was in response to a question from Klang MP V Ganabatirau.

The lawmaker sought government assurance that the nation’s Brics membership would remain focused on investment and trade cooperation.

He also enquired about the measures that would be taken if Brics evolved into a military cooperation.

The ministry said it was informed that the Malaysian Armed Forces would need to adopt several strategic measures to adapt to such a new landscape.

“If Brics shifts towards military cooperation, it could potentially alter the global balance of power, particularly with major nations like China and Russia, which wield significant military influence,” the ministry added.

Brics countries with bilateral defence cooperation with Malaysia include Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Brazil, Iran, and Ethiopia have yet to establish bilateral defence cooperation with Malaysia.

- Bernama

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