Robert McGraw (right) of Averdale International that developed the business plan for Dragon River with InvestHK's Simon Galpin.The health product manufacturer said Hong Kong is the ideal regional headquarters for its business

The New York based manufacturer of herbal health supplements Dragon River cited Hong Kong's supportive business environment and excellent infrastructure as prime reasons for the establishment of its Asia Pacific headquarters.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Averdale International Robert McGraw said there was "never any doubt that Hong Kong is an ideal regional headquarters for our business." Averdale is an investment and consulting company that developed the business plan for Dragon River.

"The general business climate in Hong Kong is attractive to Dragon River especially with the government's identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a key development sector. WE appreciate the Government's effort to bring focus and support and to establish universal credibility through developing responsible guiding regulations to this industry," said Mr McGraw.

As a result, Dragon River is planning to set up a research and development centre in Hong Kong. The US company produces health drinks made from "Luo Han Kuo" fruits grown in China's Guangxi Province, with Asia, the US and Europe as its main targets.

"Hong Kong offers a vibrant and dynamic retail environment. It is a truly cosmopolitan city which benefits from the continuous traffic of tourists and business people. For the retail sector, this creates demand not only in the local market but also in southern China and in other countries in Asia," added Mr McGraw.

Simon Galpin director-general of investment promotion at InvestHK, a government agency tasked with attracting inward investment, said Dragon River's presence is "a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's growing TCM industry."

Related links:
InvestHK   www.investhk.com
Dragon River www.dragonriver.net