New Allies for Brics-Egypt or Indonesia

The structure of global economy changed after World War-II with the formation of regional trade blocs. This leads to reduction of barriers to trade, opening up of the economies and increase in global competition. A large number of regional, bilateral and economic integrations came into existence. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) is one of the economic integration whose all member nations are the fastest growing and newly industrialised economies. BRICS has become talk of the town now as these countries have significant influence on regional and global affairs. This group is expected to extend further and many emerging countries aspire to be its part. This paper deals with the question: Which country should be the next member nation of BRICS - Egypt or Indonesia? The economies of both the countries are well analyzed considering their macroeconomic variables. Analysis of various parameters and a study of the mutual gains from trade to BRICS suggest that inclusion of Indonesia into group, at present, looks more viable. As the strongest member of the bloc i.e. China, at present, is facing an economic downturn. If at this time an inclusion happens, then Indonesia will certainly provide strength to the bloc. But at the end, it is BRICS bloc only which will take decision regarding the inclusion of next member nation because any new inclusion will play a role in either increasing or decreasing the strategic importance of BRICS at global level.