Research by risk analysis firm Maplecroft this year reveals high levels of economic integration with BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) buffered regional partners and resource rich countries from global downturn. Synergies with both Russia and especially China provides Mongolia with added protection against economic decline.

The 20 of the most integrated countries during the 2008-2009 economic crisis experienced average growth of 2.3, while the bottom 20 contracted by about 1 percent. New research into the BRIC nations has revealed that the countries with the highest economic integration with the emerging powers managed to sustain growth during the global downturn of 2008 and 2009, compared to a contraction seen in the countries with the least financial ties.

“If this economic resilience is indeed a product of integration with the emerging powers, we can expect the most integrated countries to better withstand a similar downturn that of 2008 and 2009,” said Chris Dixon, risk analyst at Maplecroft. However, should the current economic turbulence in Europe and the United States spread, investment risks in the economies may increase.”

The emerging Power Integration Index Series released by Maplecroft assess the economic integration of 180 countries with each of the BRIC nations, as well as South Africa The economic strength of the emerging powers, especially China, proved critical in the wake of the 2008-2009 crisis.

Maplecroft's analysis reveals a clear distinction in the economic performance following the onset of the crisis between the countries with close trading and investment links to BRIC nations and those without.

The economic emergence of the BRIC nations has had a dramatic effect on global commerce patterns. The past two decades have seen the expansion of multinational operations and supply chains in the BRIC nations, as companies attempt to exploit new investment opportunities that align with long-term growth potential. The global shift became more apparent with the quick recovery of the BRIC nations compared to advanced economies which floundered following the 2008-2009 crisis.