Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for the elimination of discriminatory trade barriers, policies and border adjustment measures against African countries and the countries of the global South.
Delivering the closing remarks at the 15th BRICS Summit on Thursday, he said the discriminatory elimination should also include punitive measures designed to reduce the competitiveness of countries of the global south and Africa.
“There must be equal opportunities for Africa and countries of the global south to access finance, supply chains, trade and investment opportunities. Africa and the global south must be fully represented in all management bodies, governing councils, institutions and structures.
“There should no longer be job reservations on the basis of one’s nationality. The world has changed and global governments must change. Let us act now and act together to ensure progress and prosperity for all nations and all peoples,” Mashatile said in Johannesburg.
He said BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India China, and South Africa) countries agreed on a fair global system and reform of multilateral institutions.
“We all agreed on a mutual beneficial relationship in our economic relations. We all agree on the need for our countries to be treated with respect in our international relations.
“Let us move forward united in our effort to address our common global challenges. The geo-political and economic shift-taking place across the world means that we must be intentional about how we move forward.
“We have always been clear that BRICS should champion the core interest of the global south, especially in overcoming economic, financial and political marginalisation,” the Deputy President said.
He said there is broad consensus on the need for reform of the architecture of global relations.
“Without that reform, the vision we set out will not be realized. We need to increase the representation of Africa and the south in all in all global structures.”
The three-day BRICS summit has wrapped up with successful outcome including the expansion of six countries to become full members of BRICS, effective from January 2024.
The Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to become full members.
This year’s summit took place under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism.” – SAnews.gov.za
