Strategic role of transport in BRICS group of countries and lessons for South Africa

Abstract

The Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) group of countries has as one of its goals to promote sustainable accelerated competitive advancement of developing economies. This is generally achieved through instruments such as multilateral trade mechanisms, directed institutional collaborations, and political allegiances. Understanding the strategic role of transport in BRICS will help with improved decision making relating to transport investments, individually and collectively, in these countries. This is achieved in this paper through systematic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking of both freight and passenger transport services and infrastructure. Particular lessons are drawn for South Africa as a new member of BRICS in respect of transport development strategies.