BRICS Award founder on national-currency settlements and new opportunities for business
On 28 September, RTVI published an interview with Tatiana Seliverstova, founder of the TOP 100 BRICS Entrepreneurs International Award.
Launched in 2022, the Award was designed as a permanent platform for entrepreneurs across BRICS rather than a one-off ceremony. It connects business owners, investors and experts, and supports B2B meetings, business missions and joint projects.
According to Seliverstova, the typical participant is an entrepreneur with a proven business in the domestic market who is ready to scale internationally. The jury focuses on projects that can be adapted and developed in several BRICS countries.
Payment issues remain the main obstacle for Russian businesses entering BRICS markets. Regulatory and legal differences can be addressed with the help of a local partner, while language is often a less serious barrier. Trust and personal connections remain crucial for agreements to move forward.
Practical cooperation is already expanding: more settlements are being made directly in national currencies, new logistics routes are emerging and business missions are becoming a regular tool. Recent examples include missions in Russia and China, with a South Africa mission planned for October.