Advertisement
Opinion
How Azerbaijan’s strategic reach for Brics will benefit China too
Baku’s strategic position and aspiration to diversify its economy aligns with Beijing’s vision for Eurasian connectivity
3-MIN READ3-MIN
Dr Magsud Mammadov is currently an AsiaGlobal Fellow at the Asia Global Institute, with over 15 years of diverse experience in government, multilateral institutions and the private sector.
Nestled on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, an important strategic partner for China in the South Caucasus, has become one the latest countries to seek membership in the Brics grouping, a formidable economic bloc founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China, and later joined by South Africa.
In the evolving multipolar world order, Azerbaijan exemplifies the trend of countries leveraging their unique geopolitical positions to diversify alliances, pursue national interests and strengthen their global standing, as displayed by its strategic efforts to capitalise on its location at the crossroads of East and West.
The increasing economic and political impact of Brics is the source of Azerbaijan’s enthusiasm for the bloc. With its recent expansion, which included Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and Iran, Brics has become a formidable economic powerhouse, accounting for almost half of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the global economy.
For Azerbaijan, a country looking to lessen its reliance on hydrocarbons and diversify its economy, Brics could provide access to large markets, technology transfers and development experience. Brics’ New Development Bank offers an appealing alternative to Western lenders by financing infrastructure projects and promoting economic development.
Select Voice
Select Speed
1x
AI-generated voice