BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies

Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation, 20 May 2026 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) participated in the CIPR Conference (Digitalization of Industrial Russia), held in Nizhny Novgorod, reaffirming its commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative industrial digitalization under its global mandate. 

As part of the conference programme, Mr. Zou Ciyong, UNIDO Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director, delivered a keynote address at the “Digitalization of Industrial Russia” session, where he highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation in shaping the future of global manufacturing and the need for stronger international cooperation to bridge the industrial digital divide. 

In his remarks, Mr. Zou emphasized that Industry 4.0 has shifted from a future aspiration to a present reality, reshaping industrial systems worldwide. He underlined that many enterprises, particularly SMEs in developing and emerging economies, continue to face structural barriers related to digital infrastructure, financing, and access to technology partnerships. 

“Industry 4.0 is no longer a future ambition. It is becoming a present-day operational reality reshaping industries and regions across the globe,” Mr. Zou stated. “UNIDO supports countries in addressing the shared challenges of digital infrastructure, financing, and partnership-building to ensure that industrial transformation is inclusive and sustainable.” 

He further highlighted UNIDO’s work through the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC), which was established to respond to these challenges by fostering practical industrial cooperation, technology partnerships, and SME capacity-building across BRICS countries and beyond.  Although still in its early stages, the initiative has already gained strong momentum, connecting hundreds of companies and facilitating concrete cooperation opportunities across the industrial sector. 

The keynote also referenced UNIDO’s ongoing analytical work on the digital manufacturing trajectory of BRICS Plus countries, which was present in Xiamen, China, further contributing to evidence-based policy dialogue on industrial digitalization. 

Alongside the keynote address, UNIDO was also represented at CIPR by Mr. Aleksei Savrasov, who served as moderator of the panel session titled “Building the ecosystem: infrastructure for smart & advanced manufacturing in developing countries.” 

The session brought together government representatives, development institutions, and private sector leaders to discuss the foundational requirements for enabling smart manufacturing in developing economies, including digital infrastructure, industrial financing, regulatory frameworks, and technology transfer mechanisms. 

 Discussions underscored the role of development banks in de-risking investment in advanced manufacturing, the importance of avoiding long-term technological dependency, and the need for stronger international partnerships to accelerate inclusive industrial digitalization. 

Through its participation at CIPR, UNIDO reaffirmed its role as a global platform for industrial cooperation and its continued commitment to supporting Member States in building the ecosystems, capacities, and partnerships required to ensure that digital transformation drives sustainable industrial development.

Kazan, Russian Federation, 17 May 2023 – Representatives of Tajikistan, UNIDO and the Russian Association of Clusters, Technology Parks and Special Economic Zones met on the margins of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum” to discuss cooperation in the development of free economic zones, digital investment facilitation and industrial partnerships.

The Russian Federation was represented by Mr. Mikhail Labudin, Director of the Russian Association of Clusters, Technology Parks and Special Economic Zones, and Mr. Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

The Tajik delegation included Ms. Sarvinoz Junaydova, UNIDO Project Coordinator for the establishment of the “Single Window” platform in Tajikistan; Mr. Aleksei Savrasov, Head of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Projects at UNIDO; Mr. Jovid Khuseinzoda, Head of the FEZ Administration Department at the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan; representatives of the Administration of the Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan; as well as the Head of the “Panj” Free Economic Zone.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the UNIDO-supported “Single Window” platform for free economic zones in Tajikistan, designed to simplify investment procedures, increase transparency and improve interaction between investors and public institutions. The participants also discussed the upcoming International Forum “Digital Eurasia: FEZs and Business”, to be held this autumn with UNIDO’s support, including opportunities to engage experts, investors and representatives of relevant government agencies.

The parties also explored cooperation between free economic zones in Tajikistan and the Russian Federation, including the exchange of experience in attracting investment, the development of supply chains between FEZ residents, and the use of cluster-based approaches to strengthen industrial production links.

“Today, Tajikistan offers some of the most attractive conditions for investors in Central Asia. Free economic zones can serve as safe ‘islands’ for investors by ensuring transparency in capital flows and administrative procedures, supported by modern infrastructure and qualified specialists,” said Sarvinoz Junaydova. “We see strong potential for cooperation between Tajikistan and the Russian Federation in the field of free economic zones, particularly through a cluster approach that can help establish integrated industrial production chains.”

As part of KazanForum, the UNIDO project team, together with partners from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan, also participated in the panel session “Investment, Infrastructure, Innovation: The Role of Free Economic Zones in Strengthening Ties between Russia and Central Asia.” The session focused on the role of FEZs as instruments for attracting investment, supporting innovation and promoting economic growth across the region.

During the session, Aleksei Savrasov, UNIDO Project Manager for Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence, presented the “Single Window for Free Economic Zones in Tajikistan” initiative, outlining current developments and implementation plans for the platform.

“Our goal is to create a safe and convenient environment for business, where risks are minimized and effective interaction with government agencies is ensured,” said Savrasov.

Jovid Khuseinzoda, Head of the FEZ Administration Department at the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan, highlighted Tajikistan’s investment opportunities and emphasized the importance of digital transformation in strengthening the competitiveness of free economic zones.

“Given the changes in the global economy, we need to introduce modern technologies and innovations into our operations,” he said.

The participants further discussed opportunities to exchange expertise on multi-infrastructure platforms for industrial development, including models combining special economic zones, technology parks and industrial clusters, as well as prospects for launching an international educational programme under the auspices of UNIDO.

Held from 12 to 17 May 2023 in Kazan, KazanForum brought together government officials, experts and business representatives from various countries to discuss economic cooperation, investment and development. This year’s forum placed particular emphasis on strengthening economic ties between Russia and Central Asia, including through cooperation in free economic zones.

Through its support to Tajikistan’s digital transformation of free economic zones, UNIDO continues to promote investment facilitation, innovation and inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

For further information, please contact:
Aleksei Savrasov 
Industrial Development Officer

Vienna, Austria, 9 April 2026 – Representatives of BRICS countries gathered in Vienna to review progress and define next steps for the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC), a UNIDO-coordinated initiative supporting industrial cooperation, knowledge exchange and technology partnerships across emerging economies.

The meeting, hosted by the Permanent Mission of China to UNIDO, brought together Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to take stock of the platform’s first year of operations and discuss plans to scale up activities at national level.

Over the past year, BCIC has registered more than 200 manufacturing companies from across BRICS countries and facilitated direct engagement among firms. Through three dedicated matchmaking sessions, “BCIC Connects”, companies have presented their solutions, exchanged expertise and established new business contacts. More than 60 companies have actively engaged in direct exchanges, leading to the identification of over 140 business and technology opportunities across multiple industrial sectors.

“BRICS Plus represents one of the most significant platforms for economic cooperation among emerging and developing economies. When these countries act together on industrial development, the impact resonates well beyond their borders,” said UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller. “BCIC is a UNIDO-coordinated mechanism, designed to help manufacturing companies across and beyond BRICS become “Factories of the Future, a dynamic one-stop hub for companies to network, adopt sustainable practices and expand internationally.”  ”

Since its launch in April 2025, BCIC has developed into a network-based platform connecting companies, institutions and experts across BRICS countries, with a focus on strengthening industrial competencies, fostering innovation and enabling cross-border collaboration.

The BRICS countries account for a significant share of the global economy, representing approximately 39 per cent of global GDP, 24 per cent of global trade and up to 40 per cent of global manufacturing value added. They also hold a substantial share of global natural resources, including around 72 per cent of rare earth reserves, underscoring their strategic importance in shaping the future of industrial development.

Against this backdrop, the digitalization of manufacturing, driven by artificial intelligence and advanced production technologies, continues to transform industrial systems worldwide. Platforms such as BCIC aim to support countries and enterprises in building the technological and innovation capacities needed to benefit from these shifts.

BCIC currently engages partner institutions from China, India and the Russian Federation, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange through its digital platform. The platform enables companies to identify potential partners, initiate contact and explore opportunities for joint business, research and technology cooperation.

The initiative aligns with the BRICS Partnership on the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) and reflects UNIDO’s commitment to translating multilateral cooperation into practical, enterprise-level results that support inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

Looking ahead, UNIDO will continue to expand the BCIC network, deepen engagement with member institutions and support the development of industrial partnerships that generate tangible outcomes for small and medium-sized enterprises across participating countries.

Interested in learning more about BCIC? 
Discover our activities and initiatives by visiting our website: https://bcic-brics.org/ 

For further information, please contact: 
Aleksei Savrasov 
Industrial Development Officer

On September 16, the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025 commenced in Xiamen for a two-day session. Centered on the theme "Unleashing the Potential of BRICS Cooperation to Achieve Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization," this year's forum focuses on areas including artificial intelligence, green and low-carbon development, the digital economy, and industrial innovation. Compared to previous editions, this forum features four notable highlights: broader international participation, with attendees not only from BRICS member states but also partner nations and representatives of other developing countries and international organizations; more substantial outcomes, highlighting the fruitful results achieved in recent years through President Xi Jinping's series of major cooperation initiatives proposed at BRICS Summits, and the release of public products provided by China to advance BRICS cooperation; more focused dialogue topics, as the forum aligns with industrial trends of digitalization, greening, and intelligence, actively addresses the cooperation needs of BRICS countries and developing nations, and prioritizes industrial collaboration as both the starting point and ultimate goal; richer supporting activities, including the awards ceremony of the BRICS Industrial Innovation Contest and the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Exhibition held concurrently.

The forum announced six cooperation achievements. The China Centre for BRICS Industrial Competences was inaugurated on-site, and the Xiamen node of the BRICS Digital Industry Ecosystem Cooperation Network was officially launched. The six key deliverables include achievements from the fifth anniversary of the BRICS PartNIR Innovation Center, early-stage outcomes of the China Center for BRICS Industrial Competences, the BRICS New Industrial "Golden Egret" Excellence Scholarship, accomplishments of the China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center, results of the BRICS Digital Industry Ecosystem Cooperation Network, and the expansion and action plan of the International Cooperation Initiative on New Industrialization. The newly inaugurated China Center for BRICS Industrial Competences will be jointly developed by the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology and the International Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, under the guidance and support of MIIT. The Center will focus on four key areas: promoting cooperation in industrial innovation capabilities, digital transformation capabilities and industrial sustainable development capabilities, and building an industrial capability service platform. The Xiamen node—the first node of the BRICS Digital Industry Ecosystem Cooperation Network—was officially launched. Since its inception in April this year, 71 domestic and international organizations have applied for network membership, forming an initial multi-dimensional, multi-tiered ecosystem for digital industry cooperation.

Brazil and China have joined forces to lay the foundation for a laboratory dedicated to developing artificial intelligence and small-scale machinery for family farming in Brazil’s semi-arid regions. 

The lab will be based at the National Institute of the Semi-Arid (INSA) in Campina Grande, linked to Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), the federal body responsible for national science and technology policy. The facility will focus on environmental monitoring and data analysis, according to a statement shared by the Brazilian government.

The cornerstone ceremony took place on 16 October at the China Agricultural University (CAU) in Beijing. The event brought together Chinese representatives, Dayvid Santos, General Coordinator for Social Technology and Solidarity Economy at MCTI, and Etham Barbosa, director of INSA.

“Brazil contributes extensive experience in tropical agriculture, deep knowledge of soils and biomes, and the strength of its rural producers. China brings remarkable innovation, high-tech manufacturing, and rapid adoption of digital solutions. Together, we are natural and complementary partners,” Santos said.

The lab stems from a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024 and will be managed by INSA. The foundation-laying ceremony was part of the Belt and Road Initiative countries’ development models symposium.

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India has unveiled a pioneering bottled water initiative that uses atmospheric water generation technology to create drinking water directly from air – a first for the country and a milestone in global sustainability. The project introduces a renewable, zero-extraction model for producing pure water without depleting groundwater resources.

The new system will begin operating in Pune with a production capacity of 10,000 litres per day, serving retail consumers and supporting the wider beverage and hospitality sectors. The technology extracts humidity from the atmosphere, condenses it, and purifies the result through a multi-stage filtration and mineralisation process to produce naturally clean drinking water.

Scientists and sustainability experts describe the project as a transformative breakthrough that aligns with Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They emphasise that atmospheric water generation represents a major step in reducing water stress while promoting climate-adaptive innovation.

According to specialists involved in the initiative, the air-to-water system not only addresses growing water scarcity but also offers a scalable, sustainable model for future beverage production. The innovation demonstrates that advanced technology and environmental responsibility can coexist to meet both consumer needs and ecological goals.

The project also aims to inspire broader adoption of renewable water technologies across Indian cities, promoting localised production and reducing reliance on traditional water extraction. Experts note that this approach could strengthen national water security while contributing to India’s leadership in green innovation.

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China's research centres and robotics laboratories have intensified efforts to refine both hardware precision and artificial intelligence systems, inspired by breakthroughs in embodied intelligence – the integration of AI with physical robotics.

This new wave of development is enabling robots to perform increasingly complex tasks and interact safely with humans, moving beyond controlled demonstration environments into factories, logistics hubs, and public spaces.

Experts note that China is rapidly advancing the commercialisation of humanoid robots, with notable progress in industrial automation, smart logistics, education, and healthcare sectors.

“The rising trend of industrial robotics in 2025 was mainly driven by efficiency, advancements in AI, the complexity of products, the resilience of supply chains, and the expansion of robotics into other industries. As we move forward, it is clear that robots will play a crucial role in shaping the future of work and revolutionising various sectors,” said Zhong Xiangyun, a humanoid robot industry observer.

According to industry analysts, in the first nine months of 2025 alone, more than 600 investment deals were registered in the field of embodied intelligence, with total financing exceeding US$6.9 billion – more than double the previous year’s level.

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Brazil and Malaysia have agreed to establish a joint venture for semiconductor production. The announcement was made by Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos.

The enterprise will specialise in producing microchips for electric vehicles and equipment related to the transition to clean energy. As the minister noted, this initiative will help Brazil strengthen its national industry and take on a more prominent role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The agreement was concluded during the visit of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil to Malaysia. Five documents on cooperation in science and technology were also signed during the visit. Three of them – in the fields of space, digital transformation, and bioeconomy – are overseen by Brazil’s Ministry of Science.

At the same time, the republic is developing its own semiconductor industry. The Brazilian government has revived operations at the country’s only chip manufacturing facility.

The ministry is also working to develop the extraction and processing of rare earth metals, of which Brazil holds the world’s second-largest reserves after China. A special council under the President has been established to coordinate this work.

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The UAE’s Office for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications has unveiled “AI for All”, a national training initiative launched during UAE Codes 2025. 

Running throughout 2026, it aims to equip people of all ages and professions with the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through accessible and comprehensive learning programmes.

Generative AI is expected to add  US$81.2 billion to the UAE’s economy. Minister of State Omar Sultan Al Olama said the initiative reflects the government’s vision to empower society through technology and to embed AI across vital sectors, improving productivity and overall quality of life.

Training will target students, professionals, creators, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with courses on writing effective AI prompts, using creative AI tools, and ensuring safe and responsible use. For SMEs, tailored sessions will show how AI can drive innovation, enhance operations, and unlock new business potential.

A nationwide awareness campaign will accompany the initiative, encouraging everyone to complete AI literacy modules and embrace digital skills essential for the future economy. 

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Russia and Indonesia have agreed to cooperate in the development of advanced maritime technologies, with the Russian side ready to support Indonesia’s ambition to become a global maritime hub and share its expertise.

Consultations on civil maritime cooperation between Russia and Indonesia took place in Jakarta. The Russian delegation was led by Aide to the President of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Russian Maritime Board, Nikolay Patrushev, while the Indonesian delegation was headed by Agus Yudhoyono, Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Coordination of Indonesia.

“We want to explore cooperation with Russia in developing hovercraft, hydrofoils, fishing vessels, and high-speed ships that are efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Yudhoyono.

The meeting resulted in the signing of a memorandum. The two countries plan to cooperate in six areas of the maritime sector, including shipbuilding, personnel training, transport potential, and energy transition.

“Russia has extensive experience in industry, knowledge, and technology. We are ready to share that experience,” noted Patrushev.

The future partnership also includes the possibility of joint research on renewable energy sources for shipbuilding facilities and the sustainable use of marine and fishery resources.

Officials from both countries stated that the talks reflect a mutual interest in maritime cooperation amid the growing global demand for greener shipping technologies.

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