央行等八部门：研究扩大数字人民币跨境应用地区范围，利用双边和多边跨境业务模式为通道跨境支付降本增效

Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China and eight other departments issued opinions to enhance financial support for the construction of the new western land-sea corridor, focusing on expanding the use of the Renminbi (RMB) in cross-border transactions [1] Group 1: RMB Cross-Border Usage - The opinions propose to strengthen bilateral currency cooperation with Southeast Asia and Central Asian countries to create supportive conditions for the cross-border use of RMB [1] - There is an emphasis on promoting higher-level trade and investment RMB settlement facilitation pilot programs, encouraging foreign trade and economic enterprises to use RMB for settlements [1] - Support is extended for ASEAN investors to invest in RMB and reinvest domestically [1] Group 2: Commodity Transactions and Banking Support - The initiative encourages RMB-denominated settlements for bulk commodity transactions [1] - It supports banking financial institutions in cross-border transportation of RMB cash and conducting cross-border financing, guarantees, and asset transfer businesses using RMB for settlement [1] - Qualified local banks along the corridor are encouraged to join the RMB cross-border payment system [1] Group 3: Digital RMB Innovations - The advantages of digital RMB, such as payment and settlement capabilities, low costs, and programmability, are highlighted for creating innovative solutions using smart contracts [1] - There is a focus on exploring the feasibility of expanding the application of digital RMB in scenarios like corridor payment settlements, financing, and tax refunds [1] - The opinions suggest utilizing bilateral and multilateral cross-border business models to reduce costs and increase efficiency in corridor cross-border payments [1]