Jim O'Neal: BRICS currencies are still out of reach, but the group plans to launch in 2026

Jim O'Neill, an economist who proposed the term "BRICS", expressed doubts about the BRICS currency project, pointing out that the project has made little progress in the past 15 years and stressing the need for Sino-India cooperation. Despite differences within the BRICS countries, their member states currently account for 46% of the global population and GDP accounts for 37% of the world's global GDP. The construction of digital infrastructure is being advanced and is expected to be officially launched in 2026. Technical capabilities and payment systems are strengthening, but political solidarity remains a key challenge in the implementation of the currency.