The BRICS countries are developing guidelines to address the growing interest from countries seeking to join the economic bloc. South Africa's Foreign Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor stated that many countries are looking for a modern, inclusive, and multipolar forum focused on the common good. The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have been making efforts to expand their global influence and have received formal and informal applications from 13 and six countries, respectively. The group is also working on creating a common currency to reduce reliance on the US dollar, which will be discussed at the BRICS leaders' summit in August.