For example, traders on the CCI-ILSTC have to rely on the multi-modal transport bill of lading or MTBL as proof of title as the goods are being carried on land, by rail, and over sea. However, the MTBL is currently not widely used as a negotiable document, unlike ordinary bills of lading which have clear legal status. This limits the access to trade financing facilities for importers and exporters using multimodal trade routes. We must step up efforts to enhance the acceptance of MTBLs amongst trade players in China and ASEAN. In fact, the MTBL will need to be recognised as a negotiable document, not only in its paper form but also its electronic form. Government agencies from Singapore are working with the Chongqing Port and Logistics Office to conduct a pilot to digitalise bills of lading, including the MTBL, using TradeTrust. TradeTrust is an interoperable framework to support the exchange of electronic documents. It uses distributed ledger technology to allow trade actors to establish the authenticity of a digital document. If we can scale the use of TradeTrust within the CCI-ILSTC, banks will be able to use these electronic documents for trade financing and we can effectively eliminate the risk of 1/3  BIS central bankers' speeches  fraudulent MTBLs. More broadly, the greater use of electronic trade documents will make verification checks easier, reduce the incidence of fraud and human error, and ultimately lower costs. But to achieve this, all stakeholders need to adopt digital tools and upgrade their trade practices.

Let me offer four suggestions. First, we must help corporates understand the value of green financing. Singapore financial institutions have been partnering local authorities in Chongqing to build capabilities in green finance through workshops and online seminars. Second, we must ensure common understanding of what constitutes green or transition activities. In Singapore, an industry taskforce is developing a taxonomy that encompass green and transition activities. We are keen to collaborate with partners in China to identify commonalities in our taxonomies to unlock more cross-border sustainable financing flows. Third, we must enable corporates which want to improve their sustainability performance obtain cheaper financing in the form of sustainability-linked bonds and loans. 2/3  BIS central bankers' speeches  Sustainability loans can provide discounts on the lending rate if predefined sustainability performance targets are met. MAS’ grant schemes can help to defray the costs that borrowers incur to certify the fulfilment of sustainability targets. Fourth, we must explore innovative policy measures to facilitate qualified Chinese enterprises to issue green bonds overseas. For example, corporates from Chongqing or the broader Western Region could be allowed expedited approval for green bond issuances in Singapore. This could be done within specified limits and perhaps something akin to a dedicated green foreign debt quota for Chongqing. A growing number of Chongqing and Western Region companies are tapping Singapore to obtain green financing. Just last month, Chongqing Three Waters Conservancy and Power Co. signed an MOU with Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank to explore a potential RMB 1 billion green bond issuance in Singapore.