Attendance at the European Central Bank’s fortnightly policy meetings tend to crimp the long-distance travel plans of Patrick Honohan, governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. Taking advantage of the annual August lull back on his home continent, on Monday Honohan was able to speak at a seminar at the Hong Kong Bankers Club and take in its views of the city’s ever changing skyline.

Across the harbour, workers are putting the final touches to the International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong’s tallest – and the world’s third tallest – building. “It’s always some [change] like that when you come to this region,” the central banker said, almost wistfully, before picking out some similarities between his country and fast-growing Asia. Continue reading »