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A Chinese entrepreneur has surged past J K Rowling and Oprah Winfrey to become the richest self-made woman in the world, and China’s wealthiest person.
Cheung Yan, 49, the head of Nine Dragons Paper recycling and packing firm, is said to be worth $3.4 billion after a ninefold rise in her fortune in a year. In comparison, J K Rowling is worth nearly $1 billion. Cheung’s wealth rose after the firm listed in Hong Kong.
Cheung heads a Chinese rich list dominated by male property speculators, industrial giants and dotcom tycoons, overtaking last year’s leader, 36-year-old Huang Guangyu, the male owner of Gome Electrical Appliances, and worth $2.5 billion.
Among other top female tycoons is Chen Ningning, a metals trader, and her mother, Lu Hui, who co-share 19th place with wealth put at $813 million.
Jonathan Watts
