Seems bitcoin is even hastening the transition to cashless.
Yep, which doesn't help Bitcoin. It only means these Countries are increasing their oversight and control over their own currency. None of this improves adoption for Bitcoin until people realize that currency owned by government is part of the problem that Bitcoin solves.
Probably its not the same characteristics as bitcoin. Bitcoin is decentralized and volatile, while what they're making is removal of their tangible currency but its not as good as bitcoin that you can earn a lot to it by simply buying them.