In a significant milestone for digital finance in southern China, Dongguan has successfully launched the first digital RMB application scenario at a port facility in Guangdong Province. Under the guidance of the Dongguan Branch of the People’s Bank of China, China Merchants Bank Dongguan Branch has partnered with Dongguan Port Authority Group to integrate digital RMB payment capabilities across multiple operational areas at Dongguan Port and its affiliated terminals.
This initiative marks the official rollout of the province’s inaugural “Digital RMB + Port” use case, enhancing efficiency and security in daily port financial settlements. The implementation supports seamless transactions for a wide range of port-related fees, signaling a new phase in the integration of central bank digital currency (CBDC) into real-world industrial environments.
Strategic Development Behind the Digital RMB Rollout
The deployment was made possible through coordinated efforts led by the Guangdong Branch and Dongguan Branch of the People’s Bank of China, alongside strategic support from the Dongguan municipal government. Recognizing Dongguan’s pivotal role as a major trade gateway at the mouth of the Pearl River, authorities identified the port logistics sector as an ideal testing ground for digital currency innovation.
To ensure feasibility and scalability, the Dongguan Branch of the PBOC held multiple dedicated workshops with China Merchants Bank Dongguan Branch. These sessions focused on designing a secure, user-friendly digital RMB framework tailored specifically to port operations. Close collaboration with Dongguan Port Authority Group ensured smooth technical integration and operational alignment.
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Comprehensive Coverage Across Key Port Payment Scenarios
Today, digital RMB payments are fully operational across critical service points within Phase I, II, and III terminals managed by Dongguan Port Authority Group. Users can now pay various fees using digital RMB at key locations such as documentation service halls and parking zones.
Supported transactions include:
- Vessel berthing service fees
- Ship tonnage charges
- Container entry and exit fees
- Loading and unloading service costs
- Parking fees
This comprehensive coverage ensures that nearly all major payment touchpoints within the port ecosystem now accept digital RMB, achieving full scenario penetration in core port financial activities.
By enabling “payment equals settlement,” the system eliminates intermediary delays and reduces transaction costs—two fundamental advantages of digital RMB. This not only improves cash flow efficiency but also strengthens financial traceability and compliance, which are crucial in high-volume trade environments.
Advancing Digital Finance in Trade and Transportation
As a vital transportation and logistics hub linking inland manufacturing centers with global shipping routes, Dongguan Port plays a strategic role in regional supply chains. The integration of digital RMB into its operational infrastructure reflects a broader push to digitize financial flows in trade and transport sectors.
Digital RMB’s unique features—such as offline transaction capability, programmable payments, and instant settlement—make it particularly well-suited for dynamic port environments where speed, reliability, and auditability are paramount.
Moreover, this application contributes to deepening the use of digital currency beyond retail consumer scenarios and into B2B and industrial logistics contexts. It demonstrates how central bank digital currencies can support smart infrastructure and digital trade ecosystems.
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Core Keywords Driving Adoption
The success of this project hinges on several key concepts that define its innovation and impact:
- Digital RMB – The central bank’s official digital currency, offering secure and efficient alternatives to traditional payment methods.
- Port digitalization – Modernizing port operations through technology integration, improving efficiency and transparency.
- Smart logistics – Using digital tools like CBDCs to optimize supply chain workflows.
- Financial innovation – Introducing new financial technologies to traditional industries.
- Payment settlement – Enabling instant, low-cost clearing through digital currency.
- Digital finance – Expanding access to modern financial services via technological advancement.
- Guangdong fintech – Highlighting regional leadership in financial technology adoption.
These keywords reflect both the technical foundation and strategic vision behind the initiative, aligning with national goals for digital economy development.
Future Expansion and Industrial Integration
According to officials from the People’s Bank of China Dongguan Branch, this successful pilot is just the beginning. Plans are underway to further expand digital RMB applications across other industrial sectors in Dongguan, particularly those tied to manufacturing, foreign trade, and urban mobility.
Future initiatives may explore programmable payments for automated customs clearance, smart contracts for logistics financing, and cross-border digital RMB settlements—potentially positioning Dongguan as a model city for CBDC adoption in industrial ecosystems.
The long-term goal is to embed digital RMB deeply into local economic activities, fostering greater synergy between digital currency and the real economy. By doing so, Dongguan aims to accelerate its transition toward a smart, data-driven financial landscape that supports sustainable economic growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is digital RMB?
A: Digital RMB is China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), issued by the People’s Bank of China. It serves as a legal tender in digital form, offering secure, traceable, and efficient payment solutions for both individuals and enterprises.
Q: Why is Dongguan chosen for this pilot?
A: Dongguan is a major manufacturing and trade hub located at the Pearl River Delta. Its strategic position in international logistics makes it an ideal location to test digital currency applications in port operations and supply chain finance.
Q: Can businesses use digital RMB at Dongguan Port?
A: Yes. Businesses involved in shipping, logistics, freight handling, and related services can now pay various port fees using digital RMB through supported channels at the terminal facilities.
Q: Is internet access required for digital RMB transactions?
A: Not always. One of the key features of digital RMB is its ability to support offline payments via NFC or QR code, ensuring reliability even in low-connectivity environments like busy docks.
Q: How does digital RMB benefit port operations?
A: It enables instant settlement, reduces transaction costs, enhances fund traceability, and streamlines accounting processes—critical advantages in high-frequency, time-sensitive port environments.
Q: Will this model be replicated elsewhere in Guangdong?
A: While no official announcements have been made, the success in Dongguan may serve as a blueprint for similar implementations in other ports such as Guangzhou Nansha or Shenzhen Yantian.