In an interview with Iran’s Iran Press news agency, Alexei Efimov referred to the recent developments stemming from Iran’s membership in the two strategic entities of BRICS and the SCO, and emphasized:
“Russia has always supported Iran’s decision to join these structures. Within the framework of these organizations, regular meetings are held with the participation of ministers from various sectors, including finance, transportation, and agriculture, which help formulate joint approaches and implement shared economic projects.”
He added that Iran’s entry into these groups has created new opportunities to bolster the country’s economic resilience against sanctions and to expand stable trade relations with friendly nations. According to Efimov, these collaborations foster relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests, backed by long-term sustainability.
De-Dollarization: A Decisive Step to Counter Sanctions
Regarding de-dollarization within BRICS, the head of the Russian trade representation noted: “The trend of using national currencies among member countries is currently expanding, and over 90% of Russia’s transactions with BRICS members are now conducted in national currencies. Iran has also taken effective steps in this direction, and this approach has a direct impact on reducing the damages caused by Western sanctions.”
He highlighted the opportunities of Iran’s BRICS membership, pointing out that BRICS controls nearly 45% of the world’s population, over one-third of global GDP, and close to 40% of the world’s industry: “This immense capacity opens up new markets for Iran. Currently, members such as Russia, India, China, and the UAE are among Iran’s most important trading partners, and the BRICS framework can accelerate these interactions.”
On economic cooperation among members, he mentioned that the idea of establishing a BRICS grains exchange is under review, which could lead to independent pricing detached from Western exchanges and strengthen food security for member countries—a step that also advances de-dollarization.
Iran A Vital Link Between BRICS, SCO, and West Asia
This Russian official stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran has the potential to become a bridge linking BRICS, the SCO, and the West Asia region.
According to him, developmental projects such as the modernization of Chabahar Port, the operation of the Aprin dry port, the launch of the Rasht-Astara railway project, and agreements on the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad rail corridor are all concrete examples of this strategic role.
He identified joint projects, digitalization of customs services, strengthening logistics infrastructure, and completing the International North-South Transport Corridor as key areas of collaboration between Tehran and Moscow, stating that these actions not only shorten trade routes between Iran and Russia but also accelerate regional economic development.
Iran Expanding Financial and Tech Ties in BRICS and SCO
The head of the Russian trade representation also discussed the development of Iran’s financial and banking interactions with BRICS and SCO members, adding: “Iran can now connect to the member countries’ banking networks through credit lines and shared financing mechanisms.”
He noted that proposals for establishing joint financing funds, syndicated transactions, and standardizing technology transfers are under consideration.
Efimov further recalled that the BRICS Industrial Skills Center, established under the United Nations (UNIDO agency) on Russia’s initiative, provides a platform for exchanging technologies and developing industrial cooperation among members. Iran can leverage this capacity to access advanced technologies and play a more active role in regional and global projects.
In conclusion, this Russian official emphasized: “All initiatives within BRICS and the SCO are designed to promote sustainable development and the welfare of the member countries’ peoples, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as an active member of these institutions, is an inseparable part of this forward-looking path.”
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