BRICS payment system integration and trade in national currencies are key summit issues, with Egypt set to gain new economic opportunities.
BRICS payment system integration is expected to be a major focus of the ongoing BRICS Summit in New Delhi, as member countries discuss closer financial cooperation and greater use of national currencies in international trade. Speaking exclusively to Daily News Egypt, a TV BRICS partner, Eliane Boutros, Executive Director of the African Narratives think tank, outlined the financial priorities under discussion and the opportunities emerging for Egypt. The Times of Russia reports on the developments.
Countries are expected to consider integrating payment systems and expanding trade conducted in national currencies as part of efforts to reduce the cost and time involved in cross-border transactions.
“I expect an increase in lending by the New Development Bank and the formulation of a clear position on unilateral tariffs,” Boutros said.
BRICS Payment System Integration and Financial Development
According to Boutros, one of the group’s principal priorities will be strengthening its institutional framework and putting mechanisms that have already been established into practical operation.
She described the evolution of BRICS as a significant achievement, noting that the grouping developed from an acronym created by a banker into an operational international group.
“The first achievement of BRICS was that it evolved from an acronym coined by a banker into a functioning group. The second, purely institutional achievement, was the creation of the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement,” Boutros noted.
She also pointed to the establishment of a platform for countries of the Global South as a third major achievement. The platform gives these countries an opportunity to put forward their positions on reforms involving the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the UN Security Council.
Also Read:- What Is BRICS? History, Members, Purpose and Why the 2026 New Delhi Summit Is Crucial
BRICS Trade in National Currencies
The expansion of trade in national currencies is among the issues expected to receive attention at the summit. Greater use of national currencies could help participating countries reduce both the expenses and the time associated with cross-border transactions.
Boutros also expects greater lending activity from the New Development Bank, alongside the development of a clear BRICS position regarding unilateral tariffs.
The financial agenda therefore forms part of the group’s broader effort to strengthen existing institutions and turn previously established mechanisms into practical tools for cooperation.
Egypt and BRICS Cooperation
Discussing Egypt’s accession to BRICS, Boutros said the country continues to preserve its traditional partnerships while simultaneously developing new relationships. In her view, this strategy is helping Egypt reinforce its standing in both Africa and the Arab world.
She highlighted four principal areas in which cooperation between Egypt and BRICS countries could develop further.
The first is the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which could serve as a manufacturing and logistics base for BRICS countries. Such a platform could also give participating countries access to markets across Africa and Europe.
Egypt BRICS Economic Opportunities
Renewable energy and green hydrogen production represent the second promising area identified by Boutros. She also emphasized the importance of the agro-industrial sector, particularly the expansion of relations with Russia and Brazil. These connections could help Egyptian products reach broader markets.
The fourth area is additional financing from the New Development Bank. According to Boutros, such financing could support infrastructure and economic projects in Egypt.
Taken together, these areas highlight the potential economic opportunities for Egypt as it develops its engagement with BRICS while maintaining its established international partnerships.
As BRICS continues discussions on BRICS payment system integration, national-currency trade, institutional development and financing, the summit is also creating new possibilities for member countries and partners such as Egypt. The Times of Russia will continue to follow developments surrounding BRICS financial cooperation and Egypt’s emerging role within the group.
Also Read:- BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026: Key Decisions and What They Mean
