Rio De Janeiro – Prime Minister Anwar Of Malaysia has issued a strong call for BRICS nations to enhance intra-trade and fortify their position as a principled force against unilateral tariff measures and protectionist policies. speaking at the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio De Janeiro, which commenced Sunday, july 6, 2025, Anwar emphasized the need for Malaysian companies to actively seek new markets and trading opportunities on the global stage.

Anwar expressed confidence that BRICS, which currently accounts for nearly 40% of the global economy, possesses significant potential to stimulate trade within its informal framework. He stated, “With that collective strength, we can engage the world safely, fairly, and justly, negotiating on equal terms with all partners in the multilateral system.”

The Prime Minister’s address underscored Malaysia’s commitment to leveraging the BRICS platform for mutual economic benefit. He highlighted the necessity for member nations to look beyond conventional markets and embrace the opportunities presented by South-South Cooperation.

Anwar also stressed the importance of reforming key international institutions to create a fairer global landscape. “We must demand the transformation of global governance structures, from the United Nations to the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary fund and the World Bank towards a more democratic and just multilateral order,” he asserted.

These remarks were delivered at the BRICS Business Forum, themed ‘Bridging Continents, Building Future: A Shared Agenda for Lasting Progress,’ which saw the presence of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and President of the Brazilian Confederation of National Industry Ricardo Alban.

The Malaysian Premier voiced his support for President Lula, commending his courage in advocating for marginalized voices. As both Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Anwar emphasized the need for BRICS and ASEAN members to strengthen strategic cooperation, enhancing cross-regional trade and investment to benefit developing countries.

Malaysia,in its role as the 2025 ASEAN Chair,shares BRICS’ ideals of inclusivity and participation from the private sector,women,youth,and civil society.

Anwar cautioned Malaysian companies against relying solely on traditional markets, encouraging them to explore new ventures. He lauded the triumphant Brazilian ventures of Malaysian companies like Petronas and Yinson Production. Yinson, specializing in floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels, has been involved in three projects in Brazil sence 2023: FPSO Anna Nery, FPSO Maria Quiteria, and FPSO Atlanta. petronas has also expanded into oil production and opened petrol stations in Brazil.

Anwar has tasked Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz with facilitating and assisting Malaysian companies seeking to do business in Brazil.

During a meeting with President Lula at the summit,both leaders discussed matters of significant importance to their respective countries. Lula has accepted Anwar’s invitation to visit Malaysia during the ASEAN Summit in October. “He wants to bring key ministers and business groups to Malaysia,” Anwar noted, indicating a special conference would be held featuring both leaders.

Malaysia officially became a BRICS partner country on January 1, 2025, and participated in the summit as a partner country and as the ASEAN Chair for 2025.

Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Brazil witnessed a 14.6% increase in 2024, reaching RM20.35 billion (US$4.38 billion),up from RM17.43 billion in 2023.This underscores Brazil’s importance as one of malaysia’s primary trading partners in Latin America.

Did You Know? The BRICS group initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China, later expanding to include South Africa in 2011. More recently, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have joined the alliance.

Other nations, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam, uganda, and Uzbekistan, have also been accepted as BRICS partner countries.

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