How the "CIS Plus" Format and BRICS+ Industry Initiatives Open New Growth Windows for Business?

A new Eurasian integration hub was established in Dushanbe: Commonwealth leaders approved the "CIS Plus" format and granted the SCO observer status within the CIS, strengthening the institutional connectivity of Eurasian platforms, as reported by Vzglyad. The decisions are accompanied by specifics on the "North–South" and "East–West" logistics corridors and aim to scale up cross-border projects, as highlighted in the summit report.

What at the CIS Summit in Dushanbe Launched a New Round of Eurasian Integration?

The key trigger was the approval of "CIS Plus" and granting the SCO observer status within the Commonwealth – this increases "permeability" between institutions and expands the funnel of partnerships. Such a set of decisions was adopted alongside the Concept of Military Cooperation until 2030 and an emphasis on supporting entrepreneurial consortia and main transport corridors, as noted by Vzglyad.

The initiatives align with the thesis on the need for a "coordinated international agenda" and strengthening ties with like-minded countries, as follows from leaders' speeches.

Essentially, "soft integration" with flexible depth of participation is being launched – a formula that lowers entry barriers for third countries and industry cooperations.

What Direct Reactions and Industry Steps Have Been Taken by BRICS Countries and Partners?

Countries and industries have begun to build practical cooperation mechanisms – from maritime labor to IT and creative industries. In El Salvador, the BRICS Seafarers' Forum was established: trade unions from nine countries adopted the Salvador Declaration and resolutions on the protection of cabotage, seafarers' rights, and the creation of a remote working group on cabotage policy, as reported by Korabel.ru. Concurrently, island nation Mauritius is "terribly interested" in BRICS in conjunction with India; the assessment of accession is the prerogative of the state, as stated by Russian Ambassador to Moscow, Iraida Zeinalova (PRIME).

A signal from regulators: in Tashkent, the EEC presented approaches to regulating digital markets and announced the preparation of a draft E-commerce Agreement – the discussion was attended by the BRICS Center for Competition Law and Policy, as reported by Sputnik Uzbekistan.

In the creative economy, Uzbekistan and the ASI of the Russian Federation signed a protocol on the implementation of the Russian regional standard for the development of creative industries – a methodology and analytical tools successfully used in 67 regions of Russia, as specified by UzNews.

The idea of "smart export" is gaining momentum in IT. At ITPARK FEST in Sevastopol, it was stated that “many countries want to buy our products, especially in BRICS”; cases included import-independent replacements for corporate platforms and DPI solutions already sold abroad, as noted at the event.

Cultural and sports diplomacy complements the business agenda: a cricket match (Russia vs. students from India) was held in Kazan at an arena reconstructed for the BRICS Games; a proposal was made for a national teams match under the BRICS aegis, as reported by "Cricket in Russia."

On the "hardware" level, new export niches are being formed. In Rostov, "Xelon" plans to launch the production of digital X-ray detectors with subsequent export to BRICS countries; investments amount to 1.5 billion rubles, with launch planned by mid-2027, as written by "Gorod N."

The trend is clear: integration is being "stitched together" through industry gears – from labor and standards to IT exports and creative industries.

What is the Connection Between the CIS, SCO, and BRICS Leading to for Market Architecture?

The main effect is the acceleration of the formation of a unified logistical and regulatory space in Eurasia with flexible participation depth. The agenda includes uniting transport corridors into a single network with electronic services, which will significantly increase transit through the region, as emphasized in the summit outcomes.

The absolute priority is ensuring security and maintaining peace in the Commonwealth space.

This cooperation framework was outlined by the leaders at the summit, setting a predictable backdrop for investment decisions, as follows from the speeches.

The convergence of institutions reduces transaction costs (rules, routes, standards), expanding the "comfort zone" for medium-scale projects – from logistics and cybersecurity to creative industries and medical technology.

Where are the Immediate Opportunities and Risks for BRICS+ Companies?

• Maritime transport and cabotage. BRICS trade unions have declared a course towards protecting national cabotage (flag, owner, crew) and joint policy to protect seafarers' rights. Opportunity: demand for national crews, construction/chartering under national flags; risk: tougher access for vessels under "flags of convenience," especially on strategic routes, as follows from the forum's resolutions.

• Export of IT solutions. Demand in BRICS countries for import-independent corporate platforms and network solutions is growing; commercialization depends on partner channels and sales localization, as was emphasized at ITPARK FEST.

• Medical technology and industrial X-ray diagnostics. Localization of digital X-ray detectors with targeted export to BRICS opens a niche for cooperation (electronics, casings, service) and for clients from medicine, energy, and the military-industrial complex – with a long certification cycle and capital intensity (see Rostov case above).

• Creative industries and branding. Joint adaptation of standards and exchange of best practices (Russia–Uzbekistan) simplify entry into new markets for creative content and design, as reported by UzNews.

• Digital platforms and e-commerce. In the EAEU, common approaches to competition in digital markets are being formed, and an E-commerce Agreement is being prepared: this presents an opportunity for unifying cross-border sales and, simultaneously, imposes obligations to comply with new requirements, as informed by Sputnik Uzbekistan.

Conclusion: the "CIS Plus" — SCO — BRICS+ connection accelerates practical integration. For businesses, this is a window into growing markets with more understandable "rules of the game," where those who manage to localize, integrate into corridors, and adopt new standards before competitors win.