At the XVI BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, Cuba was announced as one of the 13 new countries that will join the group as associate members, according to reports from official media of the largest of the Antilles. This decision implies a greater integration of the Cuban economy into a group composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, countries with emerging economies seeking a greater role on the global stage. According to the Cuban government, this alliance will allow the island to access business and cooperation opportunities with other member nations of the group, which will translate into economic benefits and growth opportunities. For Cuba, a country that has faced economic limitations due to the embargo imposed by the United States, this partnership with BRICS represents a chance to diversify its trade relations and strengthen its position in the international context. "The inclusion of Cuba as an associate member of BRICS is an important step on our path towards a more open economy integrated at a global level," emphasized a representative of the Cuban government at the summit. At a time when the island seeks to boost its economy and attract foreign investment, this new alliance could mean a decisive boost for Cuba's economic development and the opening of new opportunities in strategic sectors.
