上海离岸金融应从“跟随者”变为“规则塑造者”——专访中国首席经济学家论坛理事长连平

Core Viewpoint - The construction of offshore financial (economic) functional zones in Shanghai is a crucial step in enhancing its competitiveness and internationalization as a global financial center, as outlined in the "15th Five-Year Plan" [1][3]. Group 1: Offshore Financial Development - Shanghai's exploration of offshore finance is a significant national strategic practice, evolving from initial trials in the late 1980s to a more structured approach post-2013 with the establishment of the Free Trade Account (FT Account) system [2]. - The turning point for Shanghai's offshore financial strategy occurred in 2021 when the central government emphasized the need for a matching offshore financial system to support Shanghai's international financial center status [2]. - The urgency of this historical mission is particularly pronounced at the beginning of the "15th Five-Year Plan," as Shanghai transitions from "scale expansion" to "functional upgrading" [2]. Group 2: Key Recommendations for Offshore Financial Zones - The construction of offshore financial (economic) functional zones should focus on "system construction" and "function deepening," transitioning from pilot exploration to a comprehensive system [3]. - The institutional framework should evolve from a "sandbox" model to formal regulations, solidifying successful pilot experiences into universally applicable standards [4]. - Market functions should expand from "settlement" to "pricing," with the issuance of offshore RMB bonds serving as a benchmark for asset allocation [4]. - The development model should shift from a purely "foreign" focus to a dual approach that includes both "foreign" and "domestic" elements, establishing a controlled mechanism for interaction with onshore markets [4]. Group 3: Empowering Key Financial Areas - The offshore financial functional zone will play a direct and critical role in supporting five major financial areas, including technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance [5][6]. - Specific pathways for empowering these areas include providing comprehensive financial solutions for tech companies, issuing green bonds linked to ESG standards, and creating a robust offshore financial risk prevention system [5][6]. Group 4: FT Account Upgrades - The FT Account, established in 2013, has been pivotal in developing offshore business under controlled conditions, allowing for RMB transactions among non-residents [7][8]. - Key milestones for the FT Account include enabling RMB offshore transactions, facilitating cross-border funding for enterprises, and exploring regulatory practices for limited penetration [8][9]. - Future developments for the FT Account should focus on enhancing its functionality and addressing the fragmentation of existing account systems [9]. Group 5: Global Trends and Opportunities - The global offshore financial market is expected to undergo significant changes, driven by the "weaponization" of financial sanctions, which will increase demand for offshore risk management [11]. - The digitalization of finance, particularly through blockchain technology, is reshaping the global financial landscape, suggesting that a substantial portion of offshore financial activities may occur on-chain [11]. - The need for rule-making authority in offshore finance is becoming increasingly important, as it serves as a platform for establishing international financial transaction and regulatory standards centered around the RMB [11][12]. Group 6: Strategic Recommendations for Shanghai - Shanghai should position itself as a "safe harbor" for RMB, enhancing its independent clearing network and providing a stable platform for RMB-denominated trade and investment [13]. - The city should also focus on the trend of "on-chain" finance, exploring regulatory innovations for offshore RMB digital financial ecosystems [14]. - Establishing offshore RMB bonds as a global asset anchor and yield curve is essential for promoting RMB internationalization [15]. - Collaborative strategies with Hong Kong and other regions should be implemented to leverage complementary strengths and expand RMB usage in international trade [15].