Renminbi Internationalisation: Precedents and Implications

Main author: Tobin, Damian
Format: Journal Article           
Online access: Click here to view record


id eprints-14704
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description While it is commonly assumed that there are no known precedents against which to benchmark the internationalisation of the Renminbi (RMB), this paper argues that the PRCs own development experience provides a useful perspective on the internationalisation debate. In particular it indicates that lessons can be learnt from both the successes and the shortcomings of efforts to internationalise the RMB in the 1970s. During this period state-owned banks in Hong Kong played a central role in mobilising finance for foreign trade. Access to Hong Kong’s developed financial institutions allowed the PRC to maximise receipts from foreign trade as well as minimise the risks of undue swings in capital flows. The paper shows that although China no longer faces foreign exchange scarcity, economic reforms have not yet resolved vulnerabilities in China’s financial institutions and as such Hong Kong’s role in mitigating the risk of undue capital swings remains.
format Journal Article
author Tobin, Damian
author_facet Tobin, Damian
authorStr Tobin, Damian
author_letter Tobin, Damian
title Renminbi Internationalisation: Precedents and Implications
publisher Taylor and Francis
publishDate 2013
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/14704/