Vietnam Joins BRICS As Tenth Partner Boosting Global South Ties

Vietnam has officially joined the BRICS bloc as its tenth partner, marking a significant expansion of the group's influence and reach. This move solidifies BRICS' position as a formidable global powerhouse, with its partner network now encompassing ten nations. The inclusion of Vietnam is expected to accelerate momentum for stronger ties among countries in the Global South, fostering greater economic cooperation and political alignment.

Vietnam's entry into BRICS allows the country to participate in BRICS summits and other discussion sessions, providing a platform for enhanced dialogue and collaboration. This status is shared by other partner countries, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Thailand. The expansion of BRICS' partner network is a strategic move aimed at counterbalancing Western influence and promoting a more multipolar world order.

The addition of Vietnam to the BRICS partnership is a testament to the bloc's growing appeal among nations in the Global South. Many of these countries are actively scaling up their industrial ambitions in response to the evolving geoeconomic landscape. Vietnam's inclusion is likely to encourage other nations to engage more deeply with BRICS, further strengthening the bloc's influence and reach.

The BRICS partnership is not just about economic cooperation; it also involves political and strategic alignment. By joining BRICS, Vietnam gains access to a network of countries that share similar geopolitical interests and challenges. This partnership is expected to enhance Vietnam's diplomatic clout and provide it with a stronger voice in global affairs.

The expansion of BRICS' partner network is a clear indication of the bloc's growing influence and relevance in the global arena. As more countries join the partnership, BRICS is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the global economy and politics. The inclusion of Vietnam is a significant step in this direction, and it is expected to pave the way for further expansion and strengthening of the BRICS partnership.

Vietnam’s entry into the group is viewed as a reflection of its increasing geopolitical relevance and its growing role in regional and global governance. Brazil emphasized Vietnam’s strategic role in the global economy, stating that with a population of almost 100 million and a dynamic economy deeply integrated into global value chains, Vietnam stands out as a relevant actor in Asia.

Supporters of BRICS’ expansion argue that Vietnam’s inclusion adds significant economic weight and innovation capacity to the bloc. Critics caution that expansion could complicate internal policy alignment, but advocates counter that the diverse perspectives of new partners like Vietnam could enrich the group’s strategic direction.