Xi expects Business Council, NDB to do more for BRICS cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during talks between the BRICS Business Council and BRICS leaders, in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 4, 2017. Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma attended the talks. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

XIAMEN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank (NDB) to ensure greater cooperation among BRICS countries.

Xi made the remarks during talks between the BRICS Business Council and BRICS leaders, who are in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen attending the ninth BRICS summit.

The Chinese president first praised the achievements of the Business Council and the NDB.

The Business Council has done a lot in the fields of e-commerce, technical development, standard setting, and the experience sharing in the digital economy, he said.

The NDB has developed new projects, with the recent opening of its African regional center, work beginning on its headquarters, and progress in business operations and mechanisms, he said.

The results demonstrated the vitality and potential of BRICS cooperation, Xi said.

As the BRICS leaders have agreed to work for the next "golden decade" of cooperation, the Business Council and the NDB should make use of that opportunity, Xi said.

First, the two organizations should work to help BRICS countries to achieve mutual benefit and win-win result by translating the leaders' common ground into concrete action.

Next, they should help guide and inject new impetus into BRICS economic development by following the latest technological and industrial revolutions, and facilitate cooperation among BRICS countries and other emerging market and developing countries.

Finally, they should focus on social effects while pursuing economic interests.

Leaders of other BRICS countries also spoke highly of the Business Council and the NDB and expressed confidence in the two organizations.

After the meeting, the leaders witnessed the signing of four documents on cooperation in economy and trade, innovation and customs and on the strategic cooperation between the Business Council and the NDB.

About 300 people, including Business Council members and business representatives and NDB President K.V. Kamath, attended the meeting.

Leaders also attended the opening ceremony of the BRICS Cultural Festival and Photo Exhibition and watched the trailer of "Where Has Time Gone", the first film co-produced by the five countries.