Trade in services key to bloc's ties

Trade in services and related investments will receive priority and help in cementing business relations among BRICS countries, said senior Commerce Ministry officials.

Their comments followed calls by the trade ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in Shanghai last month to enhance trade in services and intra-BRICS investment.

With trade and investment in services becoming new drivers of global economic growth, BRICS countries will intensify cooperation in information exchange, manufacturing capacity, building and coordination within the group. They also will undertake practical measures in priority fields such as tourism, education and healthcare services, said Zhang Shaogang, director-general of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce.