SAEDNEWS: Economic security is closely linked to national and regional security. When a country’s trade, energy supplies, or financial system faces political or military pressure, the consequences can extend far beyond its own borders.
According to Saednews, Addressing the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi on Friday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the grouping’s true economic potential will be realized when the capabilities of its members are converted into practical networks for trade, investment and financing. He emphasized that economic resilience depends on diversifying trade partners, funding sources and payment systems.
Pezeshkian warned that the increasing use of economic instruments for political pressure, combined with geopolitical uncertainty and supply-chain disruptions, has created a more complex global economic environment. He called on BRICS to establish mechanisms to ensure that no country can obstruct legitimate trade by controlling financial or technological tools.
The Iranian president advocated greater digitalization and harmonization of customs procedures, the removal of regulatory and administrative obstacles, the expansion of cross-border markets and increased support for joint private-sector investments. He also stressed the importance of closer cooperation on standards to help BRICS shift from raw-material exports toward integrated value chains and joint industrial production.
He identified food and energy security as essential components of economic security, noting that Iran’s substantial energy reserves and strategic geographical location position it to become a key partner in BRICS energy, food and transport supply chains.
Pezeshkian also highlighted the wider use of national currencies in trade among BRICS members as a major priority. He said such efforts should be supported by mechanisms to manage currency risks and facilitate mutual settlements. He further suggested that the New Development Bank expand its role in financing infrastructure and energy projects through dedicated credit lines, local-currency financing and guarantees designed to attract private investment.
Another proposal was the creation of a joint BRICS reinsurance company with initial capital of $10 billion. According to Pezeshkian, such an institution could help cover risks linked to large-scale infrastructure and energy projects while strengthening private-sector confidence.
On emerging technologies, Pezeshkian said BRICS should move beyond simply adopting artificial intelligence and instead play an active role in producing knowledge and establishing standards for the digital economy. He also called for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.
He urged the BRICS Business Council to evolve from a platform for discussion into an executive driver of economic cooperation. Its working groups, he said, should pursue specific and measurable projects, with progress assessed through indicators including growth in intra-BRICS trade, the proportion of national currencies used in transactions and the level of private investment.
Pezeshkian concluded by reaffirming Iran’s readiness to cooperate with all BRICS members in building a more open, resilient and equitable global economy.
