Subject. This article discusses the issues related to China's Blockchain Service Network (BSN) national initiative. Objectives. The article aims to consider the BSN Development Alliance mission to implement the BSN infrastructure initiative and assess the prospects of this implementation to solve present-time urgent problems. Methods. For the study, we used analysis and systematization. Results. Based on the materials of scientific conferences and foreign consulting agencies' and technical documents analytical and statistical data, the article presents certain results of the analysis of the BSN national infrastructure implementation and some problematic issues hampering this process in China. Conclusions. The prospects for the implementation of a long-term global BSN project in China, as well as in other countries, the importance of the Chinese government's activities in the legislative regulation of the BSN blockchain infrastructure and the implementation of long-term perspective projects China Standards 2035 and Smart City deserve great attention.

Subject. The article considers the process of transition to remote working conditions for employees, both in Russia and abroad, due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the world in 2020–2021, and the realization of the benefits of remote work. Objectives. The aims include the consideration of prospects for the digital economy development in the context of the application of new tools for effective work in a remote format, construction of a prognostic scenario for the development of remote mode of labor activity in Russia and in the world, justification of reasons that make it difficult to move to effective work activity outside the office. Methods. The study rests on current statistical and empirical Russian and foreign sources, leading scientific economic publications, analytical materials, surveys of Russian and American consulting companies and employment agencies. Results. We formulated the advantages of transition to remote work format of Russian and foreign employees, reasons for positive impact of the new work format on the potential and real growth of the world economy, an increase in employee motivation and reduction in professional stress. The paper substantiates reasons for possible difficulties in the process of transition to a remote mode of work in different countries. Conclusions. The study proves the prospects of switching to a remote format of work and using the latest achievements in science and technology to solve routine professional tasks of employees and enhance their motivation in the overall work process.

Subject. This article discusses the features and trends in the development of export credit agencies (ECA) in the world in the context of increasing competition of manufacturers for market share. Objectives. The article aims to show the peculiarities of the ECA's activities, reveal new aspects of their operation in modern conditions, and substantiate the need to change the international agreement in the field of export crediting and insurance. Methods. For the study, I used the comparative, statistical, and formal and logical methods. Results. The article shows the key role of ECA as an institution of State support for exports and a guarantor of the stability of the international trading system. It also finds that increased competition from Chinese and other ECAs that are not subject to the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits – OECD rules, as well as the expanded role of ECA during the pandemic, necessitate uniform approaches to State support for exports of domestic producers at the WTO level. Conclusions. ECAs’ support remains one of the effective tools in implementing the State foreign economic policy and increasing the international competitiveness of certain sectors of the economy. The need to improve international rules on export credit and insurance to ensure the stability and sustainable development of international trade is becoming increasingly apparent.

Subject. This article discusses the concept of decentralized finance (DeFi), an alternative to the traditional financial infrastructure and built on the Ethereum platform. Objectives. The article aims to consider the features and problematic aspects of decentralized finance (services, applications, protocols, smart contracts, token standards), develop a predictive scenario for the development of DeFi in the world, and prove the prospects for the implementation of a decentralized finance infrastructure. Methods. For the study, we used the methods of observation, systematization, data classification, and generalization. Results. The article describes the advantages and potential risks of implementing a decentralized finance infrastructure and focuses on the prospects of DeFi in the context of the development of the global world economy. Conclusions. The article emphasizes the need to promptly solve urgent problems for the practical implementation of DeFi, including ensuring the proper level of operational security.

Subject. This article discusses the role of export credit agencies (ECA) in dealing with the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives. The article aims to assess the effectiveness of the application of ECA's comprehensive credit and insurance tools to support foreign trade operators in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. For the study, we used the comparative, statistical, and formal and logical methods. Results. The article describes the support measures taken by the ECA aimed at increasing the flexibility of export credit insurance conditions, increasing the availability of financing in response to the economic shock associated with the pandemic. It identifies the most relevant trends in the development of ECA during the crisis period and the key role of ECA as part of the State foreign economic policy. Conclusions. The crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic reveals the need to strengthen ECA cooperation with private insurance companies within the framework of public-private partnerships. There is also a need to accelerate the development of ECA in the field of digitalization, which will contribute to improving service for customers, creating popular insurance products, as well as increasing the operational performance of the ECA themselves.