Brazil announces Vietnam officially becomes the 10th partner country of BRICS, marking an important step in efforts to reshape the international order.
Vietnam has officially joined BRICS as the 10th partner country, according to an announcement by Brazil - the country currently holding the rotating presidency of the bloc on June 13. This development marks an important step in expanding BRICS' global influence and efforts to strengthen cooperation with countries with similar strategic orientations in the Global South.
The partner country framework was introduced at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024, allowing BRICS to promote closer cooperation with countries that support the bloc's shared vision but are not official members. BRICS currently operates as a political-diplomatic coordination forum, focusing on key issues from economic development to multilateral governance reform.
The Brazilian government's statement clearly states: "The Brazilian government welcomes the decision of the Vietnamese government." Vietnam's participation is assessed as demonstrating consensus with BRICS' strategic priorities, including supporting a more inclusive international order and strengthening South-South cooperation.
Expanding Partner Network
Along with Vietnam, the group of partner countries now includes Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, BRICS currently has 11 official member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
Brazil emphasized Vietnam's strategic role in the global economy: "With a population of nearly 100 million and a dynamic economy, deeply integrated into global value chains, Vietnam is an influential actor in Asia." Vietnam's invitation to participate also reflects the country's increasingly prominent geopolitical role and rising position in global and regional governance structures.
The BRICS expansion process is not without debate. Supporters argue that Vietnam's participation will significantly add economic strength and innovative capabilities to the bloc. Critics warn that expansion could complicate internal policy consensus.
