Wang Shouwen, China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, gives a speech at Progress Meeting for China Center for Cooperation on Development of Special Economic Zones in BRICS Countries held in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, on March 21, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the Ministry of Commerce

China calls for embracing multilateralism through concrete actions among BRICS countries against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and trade protectionism globally, a senior commerce official said at a BRICS-related meeting held in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, on Friday.

The remarks, made by Wang Shouwen, China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, during his attendance of Progress Meeting for China Center for Cooperation on Development of Special Economic Zones in BRICS Countries.

Wang stated that in October 2024, during the BRICS Leaders' Meeting in Kazan, the Chinese leader announced that "China will establish a China Center for Cooperation on Development of Special Economic Zones in BRICS Countries." Its launch in Hangzhou marks a key step in turning that consensus into action, Wang said.

In an era of growing unilateralism and trade protectionism globally, strengthening practical cooperation in special economic zones among BRICS countries, jointly promoting high-level openness, and enhancing trade and investment facilitation are of great significance in supporting multilateralism through concrete actions, the vice commerce minister noted.

Wang said that China is willing to work with BRICS members and partner countries to take the establishment of the center as an opportunity to create more successful cooperation models.

Speaking at Friday's meeting, Wang expressed hope that the center would serve as a hub for international exchange, develop initiatives like "Digital BRICS" and "Green BRICS," and promote practical cooperation among BRICS countries. 

He also highlighted the importance of capacity building in the construction and operation of special economic zones, providing comprehensive services for business collaboration. Additionally, he called for strengthening engagement with international organizations, sharing development experiences, and promoting sustainable development in the Global South.

Over 200 participants, including Chinese officials and BRICS country envoys in China, attended the meeting to explore future cooperation with the center.

Initially a shorthand for major emerging markets with considerable economic potential, BRICS began with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and has now evolved into an influential international cooperation mechanism with an expanded membership, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kazakhstan have been designated as new BRICS partners after the BRICS summit in last October in Kazan, Russia.

Global Times