Netherlands

The Netherlands, also known as The Lowlands, is reputed globally for its colorful and distinguished history. Few other countries, let alone a small one, can boast of a Golden Age (the 17th century, in this case) when Holland and its allied provinces dominated European culture and commerce.

Along the way, the Dutch fostered several concepts that would constitute modern humanism, including freedom of religion and freedom of the press, ideas that remain the cornerstone of modern democracies.

Today, the Netherlands is a highly developed and affluent economy, based on private enterprise. It is the world's sixth-largest exporting country and the sixth-largest source of foreign investment, with gross domestic product (GDP) ranking the 14th highest in the world.

Of course, the strategic location of the Netherlands has made the nation a hub of international trade. The country has advanced transport infrastructure in Rotterdam and Schiphol, as well as one of the world's advanced telecommunications infrastructures, which includes GigaPort, Europe's first direct Internet link with the US.
Hans Zwarts, chairman of the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce

"The Netherlands has an advanced economy. The lifeblood of Dutch prosperity is foreign trade. With the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam on our doorstep, industrial and distribution activities flourish. It is a fact that over 7000 foreign businesses preside throughout the country, of which many are European head offices," said Hans Zwarts, chairman of the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce,

"Added to this, we have a flexible structure. The Dutch economy is one of the most open and outward looking in the world. The high presence of well-known multinationals, such as Royal Dutch/Shell (oil), Philips (electronics), Unilever (food) and Heineken (brewing) highlight the countries international orientation," Zwarts added.

According to the Netherlands Foreign Trade Agency, export-orientated industries flourished under amid positive developments in world trade and depreciation of the euro, which caused an increase in the demand for their produce. Unsurprisingly, two of the largest investors in the Netherlands are the US and Japan.

The Netherlands' merchant centers, such as Amsterdam, are as important today as they were in the 17th century

Some of the high-profile Japanese names with European head offices in the country are Canon Europa, Ricoh Europe, Nissan Europe, and Yakult.

"Trade relations between the Netherlands and Japan have existed for more than 400 years," commented Dr. Tjalling van Asbeck, the managing director of the Dutch and Japanese Trade Federation (Dujat). "But Japanese influences don't stop there."

"They are also found in Dutch culture. Van Gogh was inspired by Japanese woodblock prints in his paintings of cherry trees in blossom, and today you can find many Japanese sushi restaurants and karaoka bars in Holland," van Asbeck added.

About 350 Japanese companies are now active in the Netherlands, according to figures from the Japanese embassy in the country.

Through the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), economic relations, including investments, joint ventures, technical cooperation, licensing and other forms of co-operation have been stimulated.

Hiroyuki Moribe, executive director of the JETRO, said, "We work with foreign-government offices to help them attract Japanese investment and provide Japanese companies with direct support of their FDI (foreign direct investment) activities. We also work with the government to create additional incentives, including job creation and technology transfer."

As a protracted recession in Japan forced Japanese companies to reduce operational costs, JETRO has worked to highlight opportunities to foster new industries, enhance corporate presence, and diversify. At the same time, it also helps Dutch companies establish themselves in and expand within Japan.

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