A Chinese delegation recently visited Crookwell and Goulburn to sound out opportunities to grow herbs and establish a manufacturing centre in the region.
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"Discussions are progressing for growing herbs for traditional Chinese medicine and developing a Chinese Healing Centre with Mr Fang," Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDASI) CEO Mareeca Flannery said.
The delegation, led by Chinese Shaman Master Leo Fang, along with RDASI visited Crookwell to see "what can be grown locally".
"We are excited to see the furthering of our relationships with the Chinese delegation," she said.
"Our aim is to work in partnership with local producers and the council to build on the work of the last 12 months.
"The environment there supports the growth of several high value herbs that can be grown and exported as well."
She added that the investors were looking at regional areas and opportunities for growth and investment.
They are also looking at exploring several other business possibilities in the region.
"Although the discussion is in initial stages, they are also considering setting up a manufacturing plant in Goulburn. We are working with the Goulburn Mulwaree Council and showing them a few sites in the city," Ms Flannery said.
"The close proximity of Goulburn to the international airport, trains, big cities, highway and the ease in transportation makes it an ideal location."
The delegation also visited Garry Kadwell's potato farm, 'Rosedale' near Crookwell and were interested to know about its farming practices.
The group visited Upper Lachlan Shire and met council general manager and RDASI Board member John Bell, Councillor Richard Opie, Environment and Planning manager, Viv Straw and Economic Development Officer, Brenda Proudman.
"The Upper Lachlan offers a vast array of possible investment opportunities for Australian and international investors in a range of industries, including agriculture," Mr Bell said.
READ ALSO: Crookwell a sister city to Bozhou, China
"While no specific outcomes were determined on this visit, the council looks forward to continuing to work with RDASI to encourage growth and investment in our region, including a possible Sister City arrangement with Bozhou, China."
A city in Anhui, Bozhou is known for its medicinal herbs with 500 variations of Chinese medicinal herbs grown across 165,000 acres (66773 ha).
In 2018, RDASI delegation, including Mr Bell, travelled to China to identify economic opportunities and connect with international trade partners and future investors.
The delegation had met with representatives of the Bozhou Municipal Government and they indicated they would be interested in visiting Upper Lachlan to discuss possible economic opportunities.
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