Maria Elena Rodriguez, Deputy Director of the BRICS Policy Center, gave an interview to the program Conexão on CNBC Channel
In the interview with Conexão on CNBC Channel, the professor explained how BRICS can further strengthen its alliance in response to the Trump administration and its threat of tariff sanctions. BRICS, a well-established bloc with significant GDP, resources, and population, has considerable potential to expand its global economic influence. Its goal is to promote the reform of the international financial system, seeking to ensure greater representation for emerging and economically strong countries that currently have limited influence in global financial institutions.
Regarding the mistakenly termed process of “de-dollarization,” the professor emphasized that what is actually being proposed is to advance the use of local currencies for financial operations related to trade and investments carried out by member countries. Full de-dollarization is currently almost impossible, as 58% of international payments are still made in U.S. dollars.
Finally, she noted that China is currently the only global player capable of counterbalancing the United States and, due to its approach to international relations, seeks to become a reference for the Global South by establishing various bilateral relations with countries in the region.
The interview is available on the Times Brasil channel on YouTube: