The BRICS nations are poised to establish a self-reliant payment system built on blockchain technology, integrating digital currencies to facilitate seamless and economical global transactions. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov revealed this development in an interview with the Russian News Agency TASS, emphasizing the coalition’s aim to bolster financial independence from the US dollar by leveraging innovative digital and blockchain solutions.
Blockchain-Based Payment System
Ushakov expressed, “We consider the establishment of an autonomous BRICS payment system a significant aspiration for the future,” adding, “It will rely on cutting-edge tools such as digital technologies and blockchain.”
He further stated, “Our primary aim is to ensure its accessibility for governments, ordinary citizens, and businesses, while prioritizing cost-efficiency and eliminating political influences.”
Highlighting BRICS’s ambition to enhance its influence on the global financial and monetary frameworks, Ushakov referenced the 2023 Johannesburg Declaration. In this declaration, BRICS leaders affirmed the importance of broadening the utilization of national currencies in settlements.
The 2023 Johannesburg Declaration outlined, “We acknowledge the wide-ranging benefits of swift, affordable, transparent, secure, and inclusive payment systems.” It reaffirmed the commitment of BRICS nations to enhance cross-border payments by aligning with the G20 Roadmap on Cross-border Payments.
Furthermore, the declaration stressed the importance of exchanging experiences and best practices among BRICS members regarding payment infrastructures.
Moreover, the Declaration advocated for “promoting the utilization of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions between BRICS nations and their trading partners.”
BRICS to Reduce Dependence on USD
Ushakov emphasized that a primary objective of the payment system is to reduce the BRICS nations’ reliance on the US dollar.
“The efforts will persist in advancing the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, particularly in terms of diversifying currencies away from the US dollar,” stated the Kremlin aide.
Initially established by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS has seen the inclusion of South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
While reports from Bloomberg and BBC indicated Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of the invitation, a Reuters report contradicted this, suggesting the country was still deliberating the offer.