The implementation plan for promoting the construction of the Jing'an linkage innovation zone in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone has been issued. The plan proposes advancing the convenience of capital settlement. It supports the expansion of domestic and international participants in the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), encourages innovation in business products and services, and enhances the role of CIPS as the primary channel for RMB cross-border payment and clearing. Commercial banks are supported in utilizing infrastructures like CIPS to provide convenient and efficient cross-border RMB settlement services. Leveraging the Free Trade (FT) account system, the plan supports enterprises in handling cross-border trade settlements in both domestic and foreign currencies, as well as domestic RMB settlements through these accounts. It also encourages banks to establish dedicated channels for facilitating cross-border settlements. Financial institutions are supported in providing financial services to non-residents based on RMB and RMB-denominated asset transactions. Banks are encouraged to explore and optimize methods for verifying the authenticity of transactions and to offer high-quality financial services for legitimate offshore trade activities. Furthermore, banks are supported in optimizing foreign exchange business processes and restructuring systems, classifying enterprises based on their foreign exchange compliance risk levels, and providing differentiated and convenient financial services.
Comments