The 13th BRICS Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting, held virtually on August 7, 2023, was a significant event for the BRICS nations. Here’s an expanded overview of the meeting and its outcomes:Key participants and format:

• The meeting was held online, with ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa participating.
• China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao was among the key attendees.

Main outcomes and documents approved:

1. Joint communiqué
2. BRICS Statement on Strengthening the Multilateral Trading System and Reforming the WTO
3. Terms of Reference of the Digital BRICS Task Force
4. Work Plan of the Digital BRICS Task Force
5. BRICS Framework for Cooperation on Supply Chains for Resilience and Sustainable Development
6. BRICS MSMEs Cooperation Framework

These documents will be presented as trade and economic cooperation outcomes at the 15th BRICS Summit. Key focus areas and agreements:

• Safeguarding the multilateral trading system
• Opposing unilateralism and protectionism
• Supporting WTO reforms and working towards the success of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference
• Intensifying cooperation in emerging areas such as the digital economy and green development
• Maintaining supply chain security and stability
• Engaging in practical cooperation, like electronic bill of lading initiatives
• Creating a favorable business environment for small and medium-sized enterprises
• Ensuring unimpeded economic and trade cooperation

China’s stance and commitments:
Minister Wang Wentao emphasized that BRICS countries should:

• Implement existing consensus
• Strengthen solidarity and cooperation
• Deepen economic and trade cooperation
• Embrace development opportunities in emerging areas like digital and green economies
• Safeguard the multilateral trading system

Wang also highlighted China’s commitment to:

• Pursuing high-quality development and high-level opening-up
• Creating a market-oriented and international business environment under the rule of law
• Providing broader market and development opportunities for emerging economies and developing countries

Concurrent Industry Ministers Meeting:
On the same day, the 7th BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting was also held via video conference:

• Chaired by Ebrahim Patel, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition
• Focused on promoting manufacturing industry upgrades and establishing sustainable industrial and supply chains
• Adopted the Joint Declaration of the 7th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Industry
• Reached consensus on digital transformation, SME cooperation, and enhancing industrial and supply chain resilience
• Appreciated the work of the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center in Xiamen, China
• Defined goals for policy exchange, personnel training, and project development

These meetings demonstrate the BRICS nations’ commitment to strengthening economic ties, promoting sustainable development, and addressing global economic challenges collectively.