In addition, as rational plans for the future trend of returns on investment are made partly based on the existing age structure of the population, we expect capital dividends will dwindle as aging accelerates.

New tax rules implemented last year, including a $38 per barrel gasoline consumption tax and a $29 per barrel tax on diesel, have seen the fortunes of the country's some 40 independent refineries dwindle after several years of bumper profits since they were first allowed to process imported crude oil in 2015.

The joint venture pays Dongfeng for the use of the plants to produce Peugeot and Citroen cars that are seeing their sales dwindle in the country.

Because the e-CNY represents the PBOC's direct liabilities to the public, users could directly hold digital currency accounts with the central bank and profits of commercial lenders' deposit businesses may dwindle.