The BRICS Forum on Development of Industrial Internet and Digital Manufacturing is held in Xiamen, Fujian province, on May 23. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On May 23, over 300 officials, experts, and leading industrial enterprises from BRICS countries, as well as representatives from international institutions, gathered in Xiamen, Fujian province, for the BRICS Forum on Development of Industrial Internet and Digital Manufacturing.

Lu Chuncong, director of the China Academy of Industrial Internet, announced the BRICS Cooperation Initiative on the Digital Transformation of Manufacturing at the main forum, which was achieved after extensive and in-depth discussions among BRICS countries and will serve as a guideline for BRICS countries to harness industrial internet opportunities for digital transformation of manufacturing. 

Digital transformation is an irreversible trend underpinning global economic and social development. Speeding up the application of digital technology in the manufacturing industry is vital to the digital transformation of manufacturing.

BRICS countries will strengthen policy coordination and strategic docking to build an inclusive digital infrastructure, which is the cornerstone of the digital economy.

Data sovereignty and security of BRICS countries were also highlighted at the event. BRICS countries will improve data privacy and data security systems as well as establish common rules and norms to help regulate the digital transformation.

Industry 4.0 technologies are expected to improve productivity, reduce energy consumption, and improve resource efficiency while protecting the environment. BRICS countries will work on green and low-carbon cutting-edge technologies for more sustainable economic growth.

The initiative also includes providing services for small and medium-sized enterprises, cultivating digital talents, and enhancing experience sharing.