BRICS Forum Focuses on Smart Manufacturing and Industrial Cooperation

Officials, manufacturers and technology executives from more than 20 countries gathered in Xiamen this week for the 2026 BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution, as emerging economies seek deeper cooperation in advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and green industrial development.

The forum saw the launch of two new cooperation mechanisms: an international intelligent manufacturing initiative involving industrial groups and companies, and a China-backed “Network of Partner Cities on New Industrial Revolution,” designed to promote industrial coordination and policy exchanges among participating cities.

The first group of partner cities includes municipalities from five countries, reflecting a growing emphasis on city-level industrial collaboration tied to manufacturing, logistics and technology ecosystems.

Participants focused heavily on the impact of artificial intelligence, industrial internet systems, robotics and clean energy technologies on global manufacturing competitiveness and supply chains.

Officials from countries including Indonesia, Nigeria and Belarus said developing economies are increasingly looking to industrial automation and digital manufacturing as a way to improve competitiveness and move higher up global value chains.

Representatives also emphasized the importance of technology transfer, industrial training and international cooperation as emerging markets adapt to changes in manufacturing driven by AI and automation.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited highlighted its expanding overseas battery supply-chain investments, including a $6 billion electric vehicle battery project in Indonesia covering mining, battery production and recycling operations. The company said the project is expected to generate both direct industrial employment and broader supply-chain activity.

CATL also announced plans to launch what it described as the world’s largest integrated energy-storage testing platform in Xiamen, reflecting growing competition in battery storage and grid infrastructure technologies.

Meanwhile, Sany Group said BRICS markets have become a major contributor to its overseas business growth. The company has established industrial parks in multiple emerging markets, including Indonesia and Kazakhstan, as part of its international manufacturing strategy.

Alongside the forum, organizers held industrial exhibitions and technical exchange programs involving companies such as Alibaba Group and Unitree Robotics.

The event also underscored the growing role of Fujian province in China’s trade with BRICS economies. According to local data, Fujian’s trade with BRICS markets reached 365.5 billion yuan in 2025, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the province’s total foreign trade volume.

For multinational manufacturers and investors, the forum reflects how BRICS economies are increasingly positioning industrial cooperation around digital manufacturing, energy transition technologies and localized supply-chain development, rather than traditional commodity trade alone.