Countries and regional organisations need to co-operate to find solutions and innovative ways to address core objectives and priorities for the common good, President Jacob Zuma said on Sunday.

Speaking at the Brics and Bimstec leaders outreach summit during the eighth Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (Brics) summit currently under way in Goa, India, he said: “We live in a world of remarkable technological progress. However, we experience growth which is not necessarily inclusive and does not adequately address and reduce inequalities.

“Against this background it is vital that countries and regional organisations co-operate to find solutions and innovative ways to address objectives which Bimstec has also identified as being core priorities,” Zuma said.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation (Bimstec) comprises of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Zuma said that in the bilateral context, growing trade and investment between the nations of Brics and Bimstec would provide them with the means of creating further employment opportunities.

“In this regard, we need to identify what barriers to trade currently exist between us as well as considering a reduction in tariffs and the expansion of infrastructure links.

“Without the necessary road, rail, air, and shipping links enabling our connectivity any opportunities to growing our trade figures cannot be exploited to its full potential,” he said.

Much progress had been made in improving transport links across the African continent and this had had a positive impact on intra-Africa trade. In this regard, South Africa provided an excellent link to the region which the member states of Brics and Bimstec could use.

“The expansion of sea links and the development of the blue economy in particular, also provide opportunities to consolidate commercial relations between the Brics and Bimstec countries.

“Another important area which links Brics and the Bimstec countries relates to the environment and climate change challenges in particular. All our member states presently face the threat of either rising sea levels or of extreme climatic conditions such as floods and droughts and other natural disasters.

“Here we have the opportunity of pooling together our respective best practices in order to address the challenges we face.”

The Brics-Bimstec partnership could thrive also through strengthening co-operation in the areas of training, scholarships, and research facilities, specifically in the educational, professional, and scientific fields.

“Each of our countries has niche areas of expertise and enjoy comparative advantages within specific fields. Cross fertilisation, the exchange of ideas, joint projects, and skills training can go far in promoting economic development and social progress in the Brics and Bimstec countries,” Zuma said.