BRIC summit concludes

Brazil, Russia, India and China, collectively known as BRIC countries, have called for a greater voice and representation of emerging economies in international financial institutions.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd R) poses for a group photo together with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (1st L), Russian  President Dmitry Medvedev (2nd L), and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan  Singh during the first formal meeting of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) leaders in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on June 16, 2009. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

The BRIC summit concluded in Russia on Tuesday, with the four countries issuing a joint statement. The statement says the BRIC countries are committed to advancing the reform of international financial institutions, to reflect changes in the world economy.

The leaders stressed the central role of the G20 summit in dealing with the global financial crisis. They called for efforts to improve the international trade and investment environment.

They also urged the international community to curb trade protectionism, and push for comprehensive and balanced results of the WTO's Doha Development Agenda.