Netherlands

Overview

• The Netherlands is a small country with 15.8 million people and 41,864 square kilometers.
• The kingdom consists of Netherlands proper, Netherlands Antilles Caribbean islands, and Aruba.
• Economic stability maintained through close contact between government consultants, trade unions, and large corporations.
• As a dominant world exporter, the Netherlands is the world’s sixth largest exporter and investor.
  • Rotterdam is the largest port in the world--dubbed the "gateway to Europe."
• The Netherlands boasts the most advanced communications infrastructure and technology of any nation.
• The educated, flexible, and multilingual workforce found in the Netherlands attracts influential multinational corporations.
• The Netherlands is known for growing flowers such as daffodils and tulips. 
  • The Netherlands dominate the world’s commercially grown flower market with 60% market share.

Opportunities

• Chemical and Biotech
• Fabricated Metals
• Electronics
• Industrial Equipment
• Food Products
• Transportation equipment
• Natural Resources
• Banking services
• Financial and Real Estate Services

Marketing and Strategic Tips

• The Netherlands transportation infrastructure is conducive to a successful distribution hub.
• Leveraging the Netherlands's ubiquitous wireless infrastructure may possibly be conducive to a “dot-com” strategy.
• U.S. firms register few trade complaints against the Netherlands. Barriers that do exist are the result of European policies.
• The manufacturing community has an international approach in its location of production plants, and its willingness to join forces with foreign companies.
• Due to a lack of natural resources, wealth is created primarily by research and development opportunities.  In fact, 4.6 billion euros are spent on research and development at companies, universities, and research institutes.

Business culture

• Show respect by remembering the name of every person whom you contact.
• Formality is key in the Dutch business world.
• Showing patience is also a plus.  For example, wait for your Dutch contact to introduce you to others.
• Shaking hands at the end of a business function is extremely important, not just at the beginning of a meeting.
• While addressing someone use a title, followed by a last name, unless you are invited to do otherwise.
• The decision-process is slower and more involved than in the United States.
• When entering into the Netherlands, one must be willing to play a "fair game."  With a good mix of honesty and straightforward business practices, you will be successful in the Netherlands.