2 Countries Apply For BRICS Membership This Week

Myanmar has officially expressed interest in joining BRICS, confirmed Kan Zaw, the Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations. This comes after Laos announced that it wants to be a part of the grouping and intends to join the alliance. Therefore, Myanmar and Laos are the two countries that have applied for membership this week.

“We are interested in joining BRICS,” said Kan Zaw, proclaiming Myanmar’s interest in attaining membership. “Through BRICS, and our cooperation, we intend to achieve new sources of financing for technology,” he said at a session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). Myanmar requires funding to enhance its science and technology industry, and membership in the alliance is the best fit.

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Myanmar & Laos Apply For BRICS Membership

BRICS membership is now a caveat advantage where gaining entry is a privilege and not a right. Developing countries find the alliance lucrative as it controls a major portion of the global economy. From oil to rare earth minerals and GDP in purchasing power parity (PPP), the 10-member group commands a significant share.

Laos is now the 46th country to seek a BRICS membership. Out of the 46, 23 countries have officially submitted their application to become members. The other 23 nations have informally expressed their interest in joining the alliance. The group expanded in 2024 after it sent invitations to six countries during the 2023 summit.

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Out of the six countries, only four agreed and gained BRICS membership. The other two nations, Argentina and Saudi Arabia declined to join the bloc. Argentina’s President Javier Milei publicly criticized the bloc, calling it a group of dictators. He lashed out at China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia quietly bowed out of the invitation as it requires support from the US and the West to achieve its Vision 2030 plan.