The BRICS group of emerging markets is stepping up its bid for more global clout and to challenge the US, sensing a moment to take advantage of a shattering world order to expand its ranks beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The foreign ministers of the BRICS countries meeting in Cape Town for two days from Thursday will be assisted counterparts from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Kazakhstan. On the agenda is enlargement, with no fewer than 19 countries wanting to join, and the possible introduction of a common currency.
