The 2020 BRICS Future Networks Innovation Forum was held in Shenzhen from October 29 to 30. Themed 'Innovating Networks, Building the Future,' the forum invited representatives from BRICS countries and related international organizations for in-depth exchanges and mutual learning. During the forum, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government signed a cooperation framework agreement on co-establishing the China Branch of the BRICS Future Networks Research Institute.
Liu Liehong, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister of MIIT, stated that China attaches great importance to the development of network industries, continuously accelerates the integration of network information technologies with traditional industries, and actively leverages network technologies to support epidemic prevention and control as well as economic development. Network infrastructure has become widely accessible, network applications continue to expand, and the network environment is constantly improving.
'Future networks are a critical pillar and core element in building a community with a shared future in cyberspace,' Liu Liehong noted, adding that BRICS countries must deepen cooperation to jointly advance the development of future networks. First, strengthen technological collaboration to jointly enhance network advancement; second, strengthen application-oriented collaboration to jointly expand network usability; third, strengthen inclusive collaboration to jointly broaden network accessibility; and fourth, strengthen trust-based collaboration to jointly improve network security.
Liu Liehong emphasized that, in implementing President Xi Jinping’s remarks calling for accelerated establishment of pragmatic cooperation initiatives such as the BRICS Future Networks Research Institute and enhanced competitiveness among BRICS countries, the China Branch of the BRICS Future Networks Research Institute must assume its responsibilities and enhance strategic planning to build a high-quality platform for exchange and cooperation in the field of future networks among BRICS nations.
The forum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, and the Chinese Council for BRICS Think Tank Cooperation. Representatives from BRICS government regulatory authorities, enterprises, think tanks, research institutions, as well as international organizations—including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the GSMA—participated in the event both online and offline.
Last updated: 2026-03-08