Preparations to expand its business in the Asia-Pacific region are being made by the Hard Rock Group, according to Hong King Economic Journal report. One of the key target markets is China.

Chief Executive of the Hard Rock Group, Hamish Dodds, said, the company has plans to set up two casino resorts, 17 restaurants and 15 hotels in the region within the next three to five years. It plans to look at several jurisdictions including, China, Vietnam and Japan. The cities targeted in China include Dalian, Wuhan, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Shenzhen.

The hard Rock is also reportedly in the midst of discussions with the Banyan Tree Group regarding the possibility of a gaming license in Vietnam. The first phase of the proposed US$2 billion project in Vietnam will see between 60 to 80 gaming tables, with the Hard Rock Group contributing US$100 million.

Also under consideration are opportunities with Japanese companies to get into the gaming market once if and when it’s legalized in Japan. Combined, potential investments could be at least US$2.5 billion. According to the report, however, there are no plans by Hard Rock to partner with Lawrence Ho Yau-lung’s Melco International Development (00200.HK).

Last year more than half of the group’s revenue was contributed by casino resorts.