Ireland is top of the tycoon's wishlist as a new version of Hong Kong. Stock image: Sean PavoneIreland is being eyed as the location for a new city that would be a base for potentially millions of Hong Kong citizens considering leaving as China tightens its grip on the city. The proposed 'charter-city’ would have its own regulations and tax regime, like Hong Kong which has thrived as a free market at the edge of China for decades. Hong Kong property tycoon Ivan Ko is reported to be scouring the globe for a location to create a new version of Hong Kong, with Ireland top of his wish-list, according to a report in the UK’s Telegraph newspaper. Ireland has had special economic zones in the past – including the Shannon Free Trade Zone and the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Dublin.

Source: Irish Independent June 23, 2020 12:11 UTC