Summary

As China’s gateway to ASEAN, Nanning has become a leading centre for cross-border financial innovation through the establishment of the China-ASEAN Cross-Border Credit Service Platform. Launched in 2021 under the guidance of the People’s Bank of China Guangxi Branch and the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the platform was developed by Guangxi United Credit Co., Ltd. in cooperation with credit institutions from ten ASEAN countries. It provides digital credit services across three scenarios digital finance, supply chains and regulation offering credit reporting, precision marketing and risk control tools. Integrating domestic and ASEAN enterprise data, it helps governments, banks and businesses mitigate cross-border information asymmetry, reducing financial risks and improving transparency. The platform connects over 230 countries, with data on 7.87 million ASEAN companies, and has partnered with global agencies such as Crif, Dun & Bradstreet and CTOS Digital Berhad. Its Laos Enterprise Credit Information Platform became the first overseas application of China’s credit service model. Recognized as a “Digital China” case, Nanning’s initiative enhances trust and cooperation in regional trade, finance and governance, providing a replicable model for Belt and Road nations seeking inclusive and secure cross-border credit ecosystems.

Background and Objective

Nanning, the capital of Guangxi and China’s nearest provincial hub to ASEAN, plays a pivotal role in advancing regional financial connectivity. Increasing cross-border trade highlighted the need for reliable, transparent credit information to reduce risks and support decision-making. The China-ASEAN Cross-Border Credit Service Platform was created to establish a unified, digital credit framework linking Chinese and ASEAN institutions. Its objective is to enhance data sharing, promote inclusive finance, and provide efficient, secure and trustworthy credit services across borders. By improving transparency and standardization, it strengthens regional financial integration and supports the development of a fair, open and sustainable business environment.

Actions and Implementation

Guangxi United Credit Co., Ltd. developed the platform under a bilateral legal framework, integrating corporate, financial, trade and judicial data. It established partnerships with domestic and international credit agencies and financial institutions to ensure interoperability and compliance. The platform operates through three key functions: credit reports for due diligence, precision marketing tools for enterprises and intelligent risk control for lenders. Collaboration with ASEAN partners expanded the platform’s reach, while domestic initiatives such as the Guangxi SME Credit Easy Loan platform supported data integration at the provincial level. United Credit also launched Laos’ first national credit information platform using Chinese technical standards.

Outcomes and Impacts

The platform has become a landmark in cross-border digital finance, connecting 200 million enterprises globally, including nearly eight million across ASEAN. It has facilitated over CNY 400 billion in financing and improved credit transparency for millions of small and micro enterprises. The Laos Enterprise Credit Information Platform marks China’s first export of its digital credit framework, establishing a model for Belt and Road partners. Recognition as a “Digital China” demonstration case has further elevated Nanning’s position as a regional financial hub. These outcomes collectively advance the development of a digital, transparent and inclusive credit ecosystem across the China-ASEAN corridor.

Sustainability and Scalability

Built on open cooperation and secure data governance, the platform’s scalability is anchored in shared digital standards and bilateral legal frameworks. Its modular design enables easy replication in other ASEAN and Belt and Road countries. Continuous partnerships with global credit agencies, banks and fintech providers ensure data quality and regulatory compliance. Financial sustainability derives from service fees, institutional cooperation and public-private investment. By aligning with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and ASEAN digital integration agendas, Nanning’s model demonstrates long-term adaptability, ensuring sustainable cross-border credit systems that can expand regionally and globally to support inclusive financial ecosystems.

Gender and Social Inclusivity

The platform supports inclusive finance by expanding access to credit data for small and micro enterprises, particularly those traditionally excluded from mainstream financial systems. By reducing information asymmetry and transaction costs, it enables equal participation for smaller businesses and women-led enterprises in cross-border trade. Transparent data governance also protects consumer rights and privacy. The initiative promotes fairer competition among regional firms while offering digital literacy and credit awareness training. In advancing accessible financial infrastructure, the platform strengthens economic inclusion and resilience for diverse social and business groups, fostering equitable participation in the evolving digital economy.

Innovative Initiative

The China-ASEAN Cross-Border Credit Service Platform innovates through its integration of artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain-based security in a multi-jurisdictional credit system. It establishes a unified model that harmonizes credit reporting standards across countries with differing regulatory systems. By enabling real-time enterprise verification, cross-border data exchange and automated risk control, it bridges technological and institutional gaps in regional finance. The Laos pilot illustrates its adaptability and export potential, representing a milestone in “credit diplomacy.” This model redefines cross-border financial cooperation, transforming credit information into a driver of transparency, trust and digital economic growth across the ASEAN region.

Resources devoted to delivery

The initiative is jointly supported by the People’s Bank of China Guangxi Branch, the Nanning Free Trade Zone, and Guangxi United Credit Co., Ltd., which serves as technical operator. Financial institutions from China and ASEAN, alongside partners such as Crif, Dun & Bradstreet and CTOS Digital, provide data access and analytical support. Investment covers data infrastructure, cybersecurity systems, training, and international outreach. The project also benefits from national “Digital China” funding and regional government incentives under the Belt and Road framework. Collaborative governance and diversified financing ensure the platform’s continued growth, technological maintenance and international partnership expansion.

Conclusion

The China-ASEAN Cross-Border Credit Service Platform represents a significant innovation in regional financial cooperation and digital governance. By addressing information asymmetry and facilitating secure, standardized data exchange, it enhances transparency, trust and efficiency in cross-border trade and investment. Its successful export to Laos demonstrates the global applicability of China’s credit governance model, promoting inclusive finance and balanced development across Belt and Road economies. Nanning’s leadership showcases how data-driven cooperation can advance shared prosperity, offering a scalable and sustainable blueprint for regional credit integration and the creation of a fair, open and interconnected digital financial ecosystem.