Core Insights - The article emphasizes the strategic importance of Yunnan in promoting high-level opening-up and establishing a radiation center towards South Asia and Southeast Asia, as highlighted by President Xi Jinping's directives [1][13] - The implementation of cross-border digital payment systems, including the use of digital RMB and QR code payments, marks a significant advancement in financial integration between China and Laos, facilitating trade and investment [1][5] Financial Innovations and Developments - The launch of the cross-border direct bus service between China and Laos has introduced digital RMB and QR code payment services, enhancing payment convenience and supporting the internationalization of the RMB [1] - Yunnan's financial system has seen the establishment of over 1,200 cross-border RMB settlement enterprises during the 14th Five-Year Plan, with a total cross-border RMB settlement amounting to 251.35 billion yuan, a 17.3% increase from the previous five-year period [1] Cross-Border Payment Systems - The cross-border payment system allows users from both countries to utilize their domestic payment applications for transactions, significantly improving the convenience for Laotian students and residents in Yunnan [4] - By the end of November 2025, over 58,000 QR codes for aggregated payments had been deployed in Xishuangbanna, covering various life scenarios for foreign visitors [4] Economic Transformation - The border economy is transitioning from a "channel economy" to an "industrial economy," supported by financial services and resources, with loans in key border areas increasing by 8.63% year-on-year [9] - The establishment of a comprehensive payment service system, including support for foreign currency exchange and cash withdrawal ATMs, has enhanced the overall cross-border trade experience [4][9] Cross-Border Trade and Settlement - The establishment of stable cross-border RMB settlement channels between Chinese and Laotian banks has facilitated smoother trade transactions, with significant increases in cross-border RMB settlement volumes [11][12] - The total cross-border RMB settlement in Xishuangbanna reached 28.539 billion yuan during the 14th Five-Year Plan, marking a 3.04 times increase compared to the previous five-year period [12] Future Outlook - Yunnan is positioned as a crucial strategic point in China's dual circulation development pattern, leveraging its unique geographical advantages to enhance financial integration and support the Belt and Road Initiative [13] - Continued financial innovations and supportive national policies are expected to further strengthen Yunnan's role in regional economic development and connectivity [13]
从“边疆末梢”到“开放前沿” 云南跨境金融创新推动高水平对外开放
Jin Rong Shi Bao·2026-01-19 02:14