India has become a member of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) during an event held in the national capital. The BCIC, established in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), offers comprehensive support services to manufacturing companies and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in BRICS nations, focusing on enhancing Industry 4.0 capabilities.
At the event, a Trust Fund Agreement was formalized between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and UNIDO. This agreement, signed by Economic Adviser Agrim Kaushal from DPIIT and Director Dr. Cristiano Pasini from UNIDO, solidifies India’s involvement in the BCIC framework.
The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been assigned as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies. With guidance from DPIIT and technical assistance from UNIDO, NPC will lead India’s collaboration with BCIC, emphasizing capacity building, productivity improvement, and the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques.
The event, chaired by Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia from DPIIT, saw the presence of Director General Neerja Sekhar from NPC, along with officials from DPIIT, the Ministry of MSME, the Ministry of External Affairs, UNIDO representatives, and industry partner Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
BRICS, a significant intergovernmental organization comprising emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has broadened its membership to include countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia. This bloc, representing more than 40% of the global population, serves as a counterbalance to Western-dominated global institutions, with a focus on enhancing economic cooperation, trade, and political influence. India became a part of BRIC in 2006, evolving into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.
