The "Network of Partner Cities on New Industrial Revolution" is launched. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

The 2026 BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution opened on the morning of May 27 at the Xiamen International Conference Center. The forum is Xiamen's annual flagship event and, this year, a gathering point for representatives from 25 countries and international organizations seeking to transform their manufacturing sectors.

Building a network of partners

A group of Chinese and international cities launched the "Network of Partner Cities on New Industrial Revolution" on May 27 at the BRICS Forum in Xiamen. The network is designed to facilitate regular communication, industrial collaboration, and resource sharing among member cities.

As the host city, Xiamen plays a key role, leveraging its advanced manufacturing sector and strategic location to become a hub for technology and talent.

The forum also released the "International Cooperation Initiative on Intelligent Manufacturing" and the "Compendium on BRICS Industrial Cooperation 2026" to further promote city-to-city cooperation.

Embedding intelligent manufacturing throughout all stages

The 2026 BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution is held in Xiamen. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

At Hall A3 of the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center, over 2,000 smart technology products are on display, including industrial large models, humanoid robots, AI-powered diagnostics, and intelligent agricultural machinery. Visitors have noted that robots from around the world have gathered in Xiamen.

Xiamen companies accounted for a large share of the more than 120 leading exhibitors. According to a UNIDO official, Xiamen's smart manufacturing sector has entered China's core industrial arena and shows strong potential as a key supplier.

Since early spring, Xiamen has introduced several policies to promote AI and embodied intelligence, taking "AI + manufacturing" to an unprecedented level.

Facilitating cross-border industrial collaboration

The BRICS Industrial Competencies Matchmaking Event was jointly organized by UNIDO and China Centre for BRICS Industrial Competences. It marks the first offline matchmaking event since China Centre was established.

The event brought together 20 foreign companies from 14 countries — including Russia, South Africa, Nigeria, and Argentina — as well as 30 Chinese companies. Activities included roadshows and one-on-one meetings. Financial and legal service providers, along with international organizations, also participated to offer full-chain support.

Based in Xiamen, the China Centre has become increasingly well-known among companies across BRICS countries through its proactive matchmaking efforts. The Center has stated that it will hold such events regularly to promote further project collaborations.