Economist and expert on economic growth, Paul Romer, proposed a strategy of building 'charter cities' for future Third World prosperity

Economist, senior fellow at Stanford and an expert in economic growth, Paul Romer, is one America's most 25 most influential people.  Delivering a keynote speech at Davos last week, he proposed a futurist strategy for Third World prosperity - charter cities.

Rich countries in partnership with poor countries would build and sustain these new cities, with private investors paying for building and infrastructure. Built on unused land in poor countries, residents would rule but rich countries would contribute a credible judicial system that anchors the rule of law.

In effect, Paul Romer believes that Hong Kong was in fact the first charter city, helping to make reform in the rest of China possible.

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