Howqua

Wu Bingjian (; 1769–4 September 1843), also known as Houqua and Howqua, was a Chinese merchant. He was a member of the Thirteen Factories and worked as a hong. Howqua was the leader of the Canton Cohong, as well as the leader of the Ewo hong.

He was born in Guangzhou sometime in 1769. During his time there, the city started to become rich and trade with both the United States and Europe became more popular. The city became the only city in the province that could trade with foreign countries after Qing government banned other cities from receiving foreign trade. In 1801, Howqua would inherit a trading company called Yihe Company from his father. The company would have close trade relations with the British East India Company and traders from the United States.

He would see a large amount of revenue from the company and he would earn a profit of US$26 million. Howqua was the richest person in the world during the 19th century.

He died on 4 September 1843 after the end of the First Opium War.

References

Category:1769 births
Category:1843 deaths
Category:Chinese billionaires
Category:Chinese businesspeople
Category:History of Hong Kong
Category:People from Fujian