Logistics is key for BRICS+ economic integration

Explore the ongoing initiative: a project to connect supply chains, boost intra-bloc trade and accelerate sustainable development.

In July 2025, the BRICS Business Forum brought together business leaders, government officials and international delegations in Rio de Janeiro to discuss strategic topics for cooperation among member countries. One of the most revealing sessions was “Global Logistics Platform“, a groundbreaking initiative set to transform infrastructure and logistics services across BRICS nations.

Presented by the United Arab Emirates — renowned for having one of the world’s most advanced logistics infrastructures — the panel introduced the Global Logistics Platform, innovative digital solution designed to integrate supply chains, reduce costs, drive customs digitalization and fast-track sustainable economic development across BRICS+ countries.

Below are highlights from the keynote remarks delivered by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO and Chairman of DP World, global port and logistics operator with strategic investments in the Port of Santos, Latin America’s the largest terminal.

They outlined how this initiative could revolutionize multilateral trade. Key excerpts follow:

Veja os principais trechos:

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

“Brazil continues to make great progress. Today’s forum is an opportunity to be part of a community of nations undergoing major transformations, opening markets to the world, investing in innovation and entrepreneurship, and building stronger trade ties. The UAE is doing the same. Joining BRICS+ reflects our belief in an economic landscape built on growth and collaboration. We must explore this potential and lay a solid foundation with each country in the BRICS+ network.

In 2024, trade between the UAE and BRICS+ reached US$ 343 billion, up 10.5% from 2023, driven by oil exports. This trend continues in 2025: in the first quarter (Q1 2025), non-oil trade hit US$ 68.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 18.2%. We expect this momentum to continue.

We have established free trade with India, Indonesia, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Russian Federation. This opens access to key export markets and attracts investment in critical sectors. These figures show not only how our economies are interconnected, but also the long-term goals and trade-investment ties we share.

We’ll see immediate results for all of us, starting with renewable energy. We are partners in solar and wind energy projects with India, Brazil and South Africa. Recently, we helped deliver a 5 GW plant in Egypt. Advanced technologies, knowledge transfer, digital infrastructure and innovation are central to our relationship with BRICS+ countries.

We support digital infrastructure, fintech and cross-border payment systems. Health, biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing are also top priorities — industries that will drive economic growth while delivering long-term social impact.

To meet rising demand for food security across our countries, we expect more producers, more consumers and significant advances in crop technology and food processing within the BRICS+ bloc — from Brazil to India.

Finally, we are investing in logistics and transport infrastructure — this is key to unlocking the full value of trade. We’re developing projects in Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt to improve critical supply chains. We already operate trade hubs with China and India, and we aim to connect to consumers around the world. Here in Brazil, logistics is supporting the expansion of the Port of Santos, which reflects our belief that connectivity is essential to economic development. This will be central to BRICS+ success.

The UAE is ready to act through international cooperation. We’re committed to working with all members to realize the full potential of this community.”

CEO & Chairman of DP World group 

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

“We are proud members of BRICS+ and fully committed to the success of this alliance. The UAE has become a vital hub for trade, logistics and cross-border cooperation. Together, BRICS+ countries can unlock vast economic opportunities and build sustainable growth.

Relying on a single supply chain is risky. That’s why it’s more urgent than ever to strengthen our trade networks and expand trade flows among member states. The UAE is working with BRICS+ partners to do exactly that.

Brazil is a key market for us. To date, we’ve invested more than R$5 billion in public and private sector initiatives. I’m proud to share that DP World is expanding its operations at the Port of Santos, with millions in new investments planned through 2027.

The UAE plays an active role on the BRICS Business Council. I want to highlight two important initiatives. First, the Global Logistics Platform, announced at the BRICS Summit last December. Since then, we’ve made significant progress. This platform will serve as a global hub, enabling collaboration, supply chain improvements and resilience. It has support from Russia, Brazil and other nations. We will officially launch the platform during next year’s Dubai Conference.

Second, we are focused on our international trade corridor. We believe international trade corridors can transform how goods, services and ideas move between nations. We are building smarter and more resilient trade routes. But this isn’t just about cargo. It’s about linking industries, creating opportunity and fostering prosperity. The key to our collective success will be how effectively we connect markets.

To conclude, the UAE supports the mission of BRICS+ and the goals of its business council. Together, we can strengthen connectivity, boost trade and promote shared prosperity. I’m excited to move this collaboration forward and invite everyone to Dubai for next year’s Global Logistics Summit. Let’s work together to build a more connected, resilient and globalized economy“.

New global logistics hub

Strategic vision behind the platform

The platform aims to develop a unified digital system connecting importers, exporters, logistics providers and government agencies.

Key features include blockchain technology, automated customs processes and data intelligence, with a strong emphasis on accessibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — which often struggle to engage in international trade.

Smarter routes between BRICS+ countries

A core focus of the discussion was the development of new multimodal logistics routes, based on real cargo and passenger demand data. The goal is to connect strategic hubs across BRICS+ countries while significantly cutting transportation time and costs.

A joint task force between governments and the private sector was also proposed to identify logistics bottlenecks and accelerate modern infrastructure projects.

Financing and sustainability as core pillars

Support from the New Development Bank (NDB)

Realizing the platform and its routes will require strong financing. The Business Council has proposed that the NDB (New Development Bank, also known as the BRICS Bank) establish a dedicated fund for private logistics projects. It also urged the bank to fast-track the approval of low-carbon infrastructure initiatives, aligning with the bloc’s climate goals.

Smart and sustainable logistics

Sustainability is a core design principle of the global logistics platform. It promotes the use of clean fuels, rail transport and green distribution hubs, positioning BRICS+ as a leader in more efficient, low-emission global logistics.

Intra-BRICS trade: a driver of economic integration

Fewer barriers, stronger links

By streamlining transport, digitizing processes and harmonizing standards, the platform aims to unlock the untapped potential of intra-BRICS trade. The project includes technologies such as distributed ledger technology (DLT) and smart contracts, ensuring greater security, transparency and speed in operations.

10 benefits for Brazil (and BRICS+ countries)

1. Lower logistics costs per exported ton
   Digitalization, standardized processes and optimized routes could reduce logistics costs by 15–20%, as seen in countries with advanced digital logistics systems (Source: World Bank – Logistics Performance Index 2023; UNCTAD – Digitalization and Trade Facilitation Report 2022).
2. Greater access to strategic BRICS markets
   The platform will ease trade with partners like China, India and South Africa — major importers of Brazilian soybeans, beef, minerals and aircraft (Source: WTO – Trade Profiles 2024; ITC Trade Map – Brazil Export Destinations).
3. Faster customs clearance
   Digital documentation and system integration could cut average cargo clearance times by up to 44%, improving export efficiency (Source: UNCTAD – Automated Customs Systems Study 2023; World Customs Organization – Single Window Implementation Guide).
4. Stronger South–South trade corridors
   Integrated infrastructure across South America can enable new intercontinental routes and reduce reliance on traditional North–South trade pathways.
5. Higher value for Brazilian goods through digital traceability
   Brazilian agricultural, livestock and mineral products will gain competitiveness with digital traceability tools such as blockchain, QR codes and online certification — complying with stringent Eurasian market standards.
6. Increased investment in Brazil’s logistics infrastructure
   BRICS integration could position Brazil as a key logistics hub, attracting both domestic and international capital. Studies by BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) and the Brazilian Ministry of Transport highlight this potential to modernize railways, ports and intermodal centers.
7. Export growth for Brazilian SMEs
   According to Sebrae, cutting red tape and digitizing foreign trade reduces costs and complexity, empowering micro, small and medium enterprises to grow internationally. The platform is designed to promote inclusion by offering affordable, simplified solutions to help SMEs overcome logistical and trade barriers.
8. Reduced environmental footprint of exports
   More efficient, digitalized and multimodal logistics could reduce international transport CO₂ emissions (Source: IPEA – Sustainable Logistics in Brazil 2022; World Economic Forum – Trade and Climate Report 2021).
9. Less dependence on Western logistics and financial systems
   The platform can operate with local currencies (such as the real and the yuan) and independent logistics and payment systems, strengthening Brazil’s trade sovereignty (Source: BRICS Policy Center – De-dollarization Studies 2023; BIS – Cross-Border Payment Systems Overview).
10. Brazil’s leadership in global trade governance
    By helping shape and manage the platform, Brazil can enhance its influence over global digital and logistics standards in an emerging multipolar world (Source: Itamaraty – BRICS Joint Statements; BRICS Think Tank Council).

Conclusion: BRICS positions itself as a new global logistics power

The Digital Trade and Logistics Platform is a pivotal step toward productive integration across BRICS countries, setting a global benchmark for efficient, sustainable and digital logistics — anchored in shared prosperity.