“Meetings the Needs”: Addressing the introduction of

BRICS New Development Bank for Emerging

Economies

Introduction

The recently created BRICS Bank, reputedly known as the New

Development Bank by the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China &

South Africa), which on an international arena, will compete with the

World Bank and the IMF, is yet another example of global cooperation

among nations and firm determination of emerging nations to set new

records. The current economic crisis would be a history very soon but the

outcome of the dysfunctional economy will be harsh for the entire West as

they failed to adapt themselves with the change.

Western countries came with the idea of World Bank and International

Monitory Fund (IMF), until now, the major power nations gave themselves

a controlling stake within both the institutions. This was their game and the

rules were theirs. Thus, all they had to do was to stay on the top and throw

some incentives to other players which were more or less crumbs of loaf of

bread of advantages they enjoyed at the top.

It is not a rocket science. When people or nations feel they have a brighter

chance to succeed, their motivation leads to their participation. Getting

success in this game brings no reward be especially when the rules are fair.

For a small percentage of success, nations are willing to take a chance along

with the modest (here is economic stability) that comes with it. With these

outcomes in mind, a nation power or not, would enjoy the advantages for a

considerable period of time.

One of the modest rewards offered by the World Bank or the International

Monitory Fund was coordinating with the European nations i.e. someday

nations like Bangladesh or India would participate with the power

institutions alongside the West.

Countries were never granted equal voting power, be it International

Monitory Fund of the World Bank. The voting power was given on the basis

of economic strength. Thus, decisions weren’t taken on what people

wanted; instead the decisions were ruled for what the richest want. The top

five shareholders (Japan, Germany, the US, the UK and France) held almost

40% of the total voting power; meanwhile only 10% of the voting power

was available to the global nations, while countries such as India and China,

coming under the 20% of global wealth, enjoyed a miniscule of 2-3% of the

voting power.

For long voting system was based on the argument that economic power

nations should have a more say than others as they are potentially lenders

not the borrowers. If a nation managed to transform itself into a major

economic power with sustainable economic stability enough would then be

classified as a lender , that nations would be granted significant powers,

such as more contribution in the shares and more say in the decision

making process.

That was harsh, especially for economically instable nations, not to

mention that some would even say it was very unfair, but ultimately the

fact was true. All the populous nations had miniscule powers at the World

Bank and IMF; hence nations were now forced to make their way into

success.

As said in German “hope dies last.” The Germans did not mention anything

after it finally dies, but we roughly know of what it means.

BRICS nations have worked harder this time and like all efforts, their

success became a discussion. Finally they have made it. BRICS nations are

substantial contributors to the international arena, from United Nations

peacekeeping mission’s international financial programs; they do,

relentlessly at times, when western nations have cut down their

contributions.

In spite of being the second largest economy, China was locked away from

the top five shareholders of IMF, with a voting of percentage of meagre

3.81%, whereas Brazil, whose economy is most of the times compared to

France and the UK, was granted a voting power of 1.72% in the institution

(France and the UK each hold 4.29 per cent of the total voting power).

The top five IMF shareholding nations (mostly the western powers along

with some economic powers) have refused to give any more, which could,

with some compromise, allies trust can be earned. BRICS nations have

played, and succeeded at, the global economic game, even during the

financial crisis, they have earned respect among international communities.

They haven’t done all the work just to attain a position of broker in the

World Bank or IMF. It isn’t too surprising that under those circumstances

anyone would look for alternatives.

So today, I feel proud to say that we have an alternative in place. Something

to look after “hope dies”.

The New Beginning

The freshly formed New Development Bank (NDB) or the BRICS bank is

formed to provide financial development along with balance of payments,

funding on a global scale. The initiative can be viewed on many levels.

Development Needs for Emerging Economies:

Some key development needs of emerging economies can be classified into

–

1. The Basic requirement

We classify the basic needs into education, healthcare, food security

minimum standard living of the citizens. It can well be included into

Millennium Developmental Goals or MDGs for certain countries. Nationally,

these maybe ensured to the citizens of the economies through domestic

legislation which ensures that every citizen is provided with certain

minimum amount of basic amenities.

2. Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure basically refers services and necessities that are essential for

an economy to function smoothly. Fecilities can be schools, hospitals, roads,

telecommunications, etc. Investment in infrastructure projects is essential

for growth of a nation. Nations require infrastructure growth to fast pace

their process of economy’s development.

3. Research & Development of Cleaner Technologies

As we all are aware, the need for sustainable cleaner technology is a must,

emerging economy or not. Every nation must meet its goal for non-

renewable resources. As a nation takes initiative for its development, it

must find out alternative sources in the form of cleaner technologies which

cause less degradation to our environment.

About the Author

Anant Mishra is a former Youth Representative to

United Nations. He has served in numerous

committees including United Nations General

Assembly (UNGA), Economic and Social Council

(ECOSOC) and United Nations Security Council

(UNSC).He is an Organising Committee Member of

Global Economic Summit.

Email id: anantmishra92@gmail.com