Wu Kuo-jung

Wu Kuo-jung was a Fujian merchant who founded the prominent family trading enterprise in Canton, better known as the father of Howqua, possibly the wealthiest man in the world at the time. The company he founded was called Haoguan, but the Westerners have named it Howqua because of pronouncing troubles. The company flourished in Canton, the only place in China where business with foreigners was allowed. In 1789 Wu Kuo-jung left management over the company to his third son, who would become known as Howqua II.