Vietnam’s potential accession to the BRICS could help expand its influence into regions such as South America, where significant untapped potential for economic cooperation remains. This was expressed by Marcelo Ramirez, an Argentinian expert in international relations and founder of Asia TV, in an interview with the
Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS.

Ramirez suggested that Argentina could serve a strategic role as a bridge between South America and Southeast Asia, helping to bring the two regions closer together. “The rise of emerging economies such as Vietnam is an inevitable process,” he said, noting that such nations are playing an increasingly influential role in multilateral forums.

The Argentinian expert highlighted the importance of new financial, trade, and political institutions like BRICS in global governance. He praised Brazil’s current presidency of the group, stressing that the country is not only representing its own interests, but also those of the broader South American continent. He emphasised that South American nations now have a greater opportunity to actively shape the emerging global order.

Ramirez also noted that Vietnam, a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), would contribute to regional integration if it joins BRICS. Its participation could help harmonise standards and regulations between Southeast Asia and South America, facilitating a smoother and more beneficial process of convergence.

Finally, he mentioned the highly complementary nature of cooperation between the two regions. While South America is rich in natural resources, minerals, food, water, and energy, Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, boasts strengths in technology and industrial production.

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