Skip to main content
BRICS Plus, with its new members Iran, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia, has emerged as a major player in international logistics and transportation. By controlling key transit routes such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz, and developing international corridors like the North-South Corridor, BRICS Plus is redefining global trade flows. This article examines the group’s role in developing transit infrastructure, its impact on global trade, and the challenges it faces.

The Importance of Transit Corridors in Global Trade

Transit corridors, such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative or the North-South Corridor, serve as critical arteries for global trade. These routes enable the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods across continents. BRICS Plus, with members strategically located in key geographic regions, has significant potential to enhance these corridors. For instance, Egypt’s control over the Suez Canal, Iran’s access to the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea, and Brazil’s key Atlantic ports provide strategic advantages for global logistics development.

Iran’s Role in Transit Corridors

Iran, as a new BRICS member, plays a central role in developing transit corridors. Its geographic position as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East facilitates the integration of East-West and North-South trade routes. The North-South Corridor, stretching from India to Russia via Iran, is a flagship project for BRICS Plus. This corridor can significantly reduce transit time and costs between India and Russia, boosting trade between these nations.

Additionally, Iran’s development of ports like Chabahar provides access to the Indian Ocean, serving as a gateway for Indian and Chinese goods to reach Middle Eastern and European markets. Iran’s expanding railway infrastructure, part of the 382,000-kilometer BRICS rail network, further enhances the group’s transport capacity.

BRICS Plus Logistics Cooperation

BRICS Plus is focused on developing transport infrastructure to enhance its global competitiveness. For example, Russia’s proposal to establish a BRICS grain exchange could stabilize pricing and boost intra-group grain trade. In 2023, BRICS countries produced 1.17 billion tons of grain, accounting for 42% of global production. With new members, this figure has risen to 1.24 billion tons.

Moreover, BRICS Plus is working to create a network of transport routes independent of Western-controlled pathways. This is particularly critical given Western sanctions that have disrupted traditional trade routes. For instance, oil sanctions on Russia and Iran have pushed these countries to develop alternative transit corridors.

Logistical Challenges

Despite its potential, BRICS Plus faces logistical challenges. Some member states, such as Ethiopia, lack sufficient port infrastructure despite their strategic location in the Horn of Africa. Additionally, political and economic tensions, particularly between China and India, could hinder logistics cooperation. External pressures, such as US tariff threats in 2025, may also discourage investment in transit projects by some members.

Impact on Global Trade

The development of transit corridors by BRICS Plus could reshape global trade dynamics. By reducing reliance on Western-controlled routes like the Panama Canal or the Strait of Malacca, BRICS Plus can redirect trade flows toward alternative pathways. This not only boosts intra-group trade but also empowers developing nations to play a more active role in global commerce.

Furthermore, transit corridor development can attract foreign investment. For example, Chinese investments in Iran’s Chabahar port and Egypt’s Suez Canal projects could enhance these countries’ trade capacities. Such investments also create jobs and strengthen local economies.

Conclusion

BRICS Plus is positioning itself as a leader in global trade through its focus on transit corridors and logistics infrastructure. The roles of Iran, Egypt, and other new members are critical to this process, but success depends on overcoming internal and external challenges. By continuing this trajectory, BRICS Plus could emerge as a powerful alternative to the Western-dominated trade system.

Source: Eghtesad Moaser - Strengthening the Interests and Rights of Developing Economies

O Papel do BRICS Plus no Desenvolvimento de Corredores de Transporte e Seu Impacto no Comércio Global

O BRICS Plus, com seus novos membros Irã, Egito, Emirados Árabes Unidos, Arábia Saudita e Etiópia, emergiu como um ator importante na logística e transporte internacionais. Ao controlar rotas de trânsito cruciais, como o Canal de Suez e o Estreito de Ormuz, e desenvolver corredores internacionais, como o Corredor Norte-Sul, o BRICS Plus está redefinindo os fluxos de comércio global. Este artigo examina o papel do grupo no desenvolvimento de infraestrutura de transporte, seu impacto no comércio global e os desafios que enfrenta.

BRICS Plus, with its new members Iran, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia, has emerged as a major player in international logistics and transportation. By controlling key transit routes such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz, and developing international corridors like the North-South Corridor, BRICS Plus is redefining global trade flows. This article examines the group’s role in developing transit infrastructure, its impact on global trade, and the challenges it faces. The Importance of Transit Corridors in Global Trade Transit corridors, such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative or the North-South Corridor, serve as critical arteries for global trade. These routes enable the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods across continents. BRICS Plus, with members strategically located in key geographic regions, has significant potential to enhance these corridors. For instance, Egypt’s control over the Suez Canal, Iran’s access to the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea, and Brazil’s key Atlantic ports provide strategic advantages for global logistics development. Iran’s Role in Transit Corridors Iran, as a new BRICS member, plays a central role in developing transit corridors. Its geographic position as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East facilitates the integration of East-West and North-South trade routes. The North-South Corridor, stretching from India to Russia via Iran, is a flagship project for BRICS Plus. This corridor can significantly reduce transit time and costs between India and Russia, boosting trade between these nations. Additionally, Iran’s development of ports like Chabahar provides access to the Indian Ocean, serving as a gateway for Indian and Chinese goods to reach Middle Eastern and European markets. Iran’s expanding railway infrastructure, part of the 382,000-kilometer BRICS rail network, further enhances the group’s transport capacity. BRICS Plus Logistics Cooperation BRICS Plus is focused on developing transport infrastructure to enhance its global competitiveness. For example, Russia’s proposal to establish a BRICS grain exchange could stabilize pricing and boost intra-group grain trade. In 2023, BRICS countries produced 1.17 billion tons of grain, accounting for 42% of global production. With new members, this figure has risen to 1.24 billion tons. Moreover, BRICS Plus is working to create a network of transport routes independent of Western-controlled pathways. This is particularly critical given Western sanctions that have disrupted traditional trade routes. For instance, oil sanctions on Russia and Iran have pushed these countries to develop alternative transit corridors. Logistical Challenges Despite its potential, BRICS Plus faces logistical challenges. Some member states, such as Ethiopia, lack sufficient port infrastructure despite their strategic location in the Horn of Africa. Additionally, political and economic tensions, particularly between China and India, could hinder logistics cooperation. External pressures, such as US tariff threats in 2025, may also discourage investment in transit projects by some members. Impact on Global Trade The development of transit corridors by BRICS Plus could reshape global trade dynamics. By reducing reliance on Western-controlled routes like the Panama Canal or the Strait of Malacca, BRICS Plus can redirect trade flows toward alternative pathways. This not only boosts intra-group trade but also empowers developing nations to play a more active role in global commerce. Furthermore, transit corridor development can attract foreign investment. For example, Chinese investments in Iran’s Chabahar port and Egypt’s Suez Canal projects could enhance these countries’ trade capacities. Such investments also create jobs and strengthen local economies. Conclusion BRICS Plus is positioning itself as a leader in global trade through its focus on transit corridors and logistics infrastructure. The roles of Iran, Egypt, and other new members are critical to this process, but success depends on overcoming internal and external challenges. By continuing this trajectory, BRICS Plus could emerge as a powerful alternative to the Western-dominated trade system. Source: Eghtesad Moaser - Strengthening the Interests and Rights of Developing Economies

A Importância dos Corredores de Transporte no Comércio Global

Corredores de transporte, como a Iniciativa Cinturão e Rota da China ou o Corredor Norte-Sul, funcionam como artérias críticas para o comércio global. Essas rotas permitem o movimento eficiente e econômico de mercadorias entre continentes. O BRICS Plus, com membros estrategicamente localizados em regiões geográficas chave, tem um potencial significativo para aprimorar esses corredores. Por exemplo, o controle do Egito sobre o Canal de Suez, o acesso do Irã ao Golfo Pérsico e ao Mar Cáspio, e os portos atlânticos estratégicos do Brasil oferecem vantagens estratégicas para o desenvolvimento logístico global.

O Papel do Irã nos Corredores de Transporte

O Irã, como novo membro do BRICS, desempenha um papel central no desenvolvimento de corredores de transporte. Sua posição geográfica como uma ponte entre a Ásia, a Europa e o Oriente Médio facilita a integração de rotas comerciais Leste-Oeste e Norte-Sul. O Corredor Norte-Sul, que se estende da Índia à Rússia através do Irã, é um projeto emblemático do BRICS Plus. Esse corredor pode reduzir significativamente o tempo e os custos de transporte entre a Índia e a Rússia, impulsionando o comércio entre essas nações.

Além disso, o desenvolvimento de portos como Chabahar pelo Irã proporciona acesso ao Oceano Índico, servindo como uma porta de entrada para mercadorias indianas e chinesas alcançarem os mercados do Oriente Médio e da Europa. A infraestrutura ferroviária em expansão do Irã, parte da rede ferroviária de 382.000 quilômetros do BRICS, aumenta ainda mais a capacidade de transporte do grupo.

Cooperação Logística do BRICS Plus

O BRICS Plus está focado no desenvolvimento de infraestrutura de transporte para aumentar sua competitividade global. Por exemplo, a proposta da Rússia de estabelecer uma bolsa de grãos do BRICS poderia estabilizar preços e impulsionar o comércio de grãos dentro do grupo. Em 2023, os países do BRICS produziram 1,17 bilhão de toneladas de grãos, representando 42% da produção global. Com os novos membros, esse número aumentou para 1,24 bilhão de toneladas.

Além disso, o BRICS Plus está trabalhando para criar uma rede de rotas de transporte independentes de caminhos controlados pelo Ocidente. Isso é particularmente crucial devido às sanções ocidentais que interromperam rotas comerciais tradicionais. Por exemplo, as sanções ao petróleo contra a Rússia e o Irã forçaram esses países a desenvolverem corredores de trânsito alternativos.

Desafios Logísticos

Apesar de seu potencial, o BRICS Plus enfrenta desafios logísticos. Alguns estados membros, como a Etiópia, carecem de infraestrutura portuária suficiente, apesar de sua localização estratégica no Chifre da África. Além disso, tensões políticas e econômicas, particularmente entre China e Índia, podem dificultar a cooperação logística. Pressões externas, como ameaças de tarifas dos EUA em 2025, também podem desincentivar investimentos em projetos de transporte por alguns membros.

Impacto no Comércio Global

O desenvolvimento de corredores de transporte pelo BRICS Plus pode reformular as dinâmicas do comércio global. Ao reduzir a dependência de rotas controladas pelo Ocidente, como o Canal do Panamá ou o Estreito de Malaca, o BRICS Plus pode redirecionar os fluxos de comércio para caminhos alternativos. Isso não apenas impulsiona o comércio intra-grupo, mas também capacita nações em desenvolvimento a desempenharem um papel mais ativo no comércio global.

Além disso, o desenvolvimento de corredores de transporte pode atrair investimentos estrangeiros. Por exemplo, os investimentos chineses no porto de Chabahar, no Irã, e nos projetos do Canal de Suez, no Egito, podem aumentar as capacidades comerciais desses países. Esses investimentos também criam empregos e fortalecem as economias locais.

Conclusão

O BRICS Plus está se posicionando como líder no comércio global por meio de seu foco em corredores de transporte e infraestrutura logística. Os papéis do Irã, Egito e outros novos membros são cruciais nesse processo, mas o sucesso depende de superar desafios internos e externos. Ao continuar nessa trajetória, o BRICS Plus pode emergir como uma alternativa poderosa ao sistema comercial dominado pelo Ocidente.

Fonte: Eghtesad Moaser – Fortalecendo os Interesses e Direitos das Economias em Desenvolvimento

Deixe um comentário