How is BRICS+ Regional Diplomacy Translating into Concrete Investment Opportunities?

Two Moscow events served as catalysts: the BRICS "Cloud Cities" urban forum and "Intervision-2025." At the former, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume expressed interest in direct Harare–Moscow flights, linking them to increased humanitarian and business exchange, as reported by PRIME. The latter highlighted the role of "soft power" as an instrument of economic multimodality by expanding cultural cooperation, including Saudi Arabia's interest in hosting the competition in 2026, according to Obyedinennaya Sluzhba Novostey.

What new BRICS+ connectivity channels are forming right now?

The main thrust is practical transport and educational connectivity, creating direct corridors for trade, tourism, and personnel training. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume stated that direct Harare–Moscow air service "would be beneficial" for humanitarian and economic cooperation, noting the route's demand among Zimbabwean students in Russia and Russian entrepreneurs, as reported by PRIME.

This agenda was voiced at the "Cloud Cities" forum in Moscow (Sept. 17–18), dedicated to robotics and AI, with participation from government, business, and scientific community representatives from over 35 countries. This expands the "funnel" of contacts for municipalities and companies—from pilot routes to technological partnerships.

How is BRICS+ cultural diplomacy expanding economic ties?

Through festivals and competitions, "soft power" is converted into business connections, tourist flows, and countries' brand capital. "Intervision-2025" in Moscow gathered delegations from various regions; a performer from Vietnam won, and representatives from the USA worked on the jury, while a participant from the USA did not take the stage due to "unprecedented political pressure"—details provided by Obyedinennaya Sluzhba Novostey. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the platform's non-fragmented nature and its openness to countries outside BRICS.

Organizers also announced Saudi Arabia's interest in hosting "Intervision-2026," creating a bridge for BRICS+ companies to the rapidly growing Gulf market through a cultural format and related services—from MICE to creative industries.

What role do trade union networks play in building sustainable ties with BRICS partners?

Institutional "frameworks" of labor relations are no less important infrastructure than airlines. At the FNPR General Council (Sept. 19, Moscow), which marked the Federation's 35th anniversary and the trade union movement's 120th anniversary, it was emphasized that FNPR interacts with trade union centers of CIS, EAEU, and BRICS countries; the association includes 19 million workers from 44 trade unions, covering 86 regions of the Russian Federation, as reported by PrimaMedia.ru.

"It is gratifying that the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia preserves and develops the heritage of its predecessors and is rightfully considered one of the most important, key institutions of civil society in our country. You make a significant contribution to strengthening social stability and justice…"

Such networks reduce companies' operational risks, facilitate the launch of production facilities and cross-border HR projects, and simplify dialogue between business, government, and employees in multinational supply chains.

How is US foreign policy uncertainty affecting BRICS+ regional strategies?

The main risk is the volatility of trade rules and sanctions, pushing Eurasian countries towards de-escalation and strengthening their own production base. Political scientist Vadim Borovik detailed the US focus on containing competitors, reshoring production, and tariff measures targeting Europe and other partners, their impact on value chains, and the importance of de-escalation for Eurasia.

Complementing this context, the publication Ukraina.ru offers an interpretation of the current US policy as an attempt at "remote management" of conflicts and a reconfiguration of alliance obligations into commercial arms supply models, affecting the behavior of regional actors and the cost of risk for investors, as noted by Ukraina.ru.

What tactical steps are currently advisable for BRICS+ companies?

• Transport and Tourism: Assess the business case for direct Russia–South Africa/Zimbabwe routes focusing on educational and business trips; prepare partnerships with airlines and DMC operators for a "soft launch" of seasonal charters.
• Creative Industries and MICE: Leverage the "Intervision" network to enter Southeast Asian and Gulf markets (co-productions, merchandise, event tourism), planning participation in the 2026 cycle in advance.
• Production and HR: Utilize trade union center channels to align occupational safety standards, employee dialogue, and accelerate capacity building in partner BRICS regions.
• Risk Management: Diversify jurisdictions, settlement currencies, and logistics in procurement and financing; incorporate "sanctions" clauses and alternative supply routes in contracts.

Conclusion: BRICS+ is rapidly expanding its "three layers" of connectivity—transport, cultural, and institutional. Together, they create opportunities for service exports and industrial cooperation, while also cushioning against foreign policy volatility, transforming regional diplomacy into direct investment projects.