Netherlands Capital Amsterdam Currency Euro (EUR) Language Dutch Population 16.5 million EU status member GDP 2006 $612 billion Employment 94.5 % Exports $413.8 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.) Imports $373.8 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.)

setting up business Number of days to start business 10 Cost (% of income per capita) 7.2% Nonwage labor cost (% of salary) 18.1% Total tax rate (% profits) 48.1%

Netherlands

Traditional meets modern in the Hague

Centuries of history as a trading nation have positioned the Netherlands as the focal point for European and international business. Its geographical location, well-developed infrastructure and favorable international business orientation make the Netherlands the ideal central distribution point for all of Europe. The country is split by three major European rivers: the Rhine, the Maas, and the Schelde. These natural conduits make the country a natural gateway into the heartland of continental Europe. The country has consequently enjoyed a lengthy tradition as a leading European trading nation.

A trading tradition

The Netherlands provides a strategic location to serve and service markets within the European Union as well as central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The central geographical position of the Netherlands combined with good accessibility and excellent infrastructure are only some of the reasons why numerous European, American and Asian companies have established their facilities in the Netherlands.

Trains, planes and infrastructure

The Netherlands is exceptionally well placed with the port of Rotterdam, still ranked as the world’s largest seaport, while Schiphol Airport is recognized as one of the major business hubs in Europe and has claimed over 100 international awards over the last years. The Netherlands is also classified as one of the most “wired” countries in the world, a dynamic force in electronic commerce, communications and outsourcing. More than a decade of investment in high-speed internet, cable and digital communication systems, as well as the rapid adoption of state-ofthe- art computer and mobile phone technology, have created an ideal base for companies seeking to take advantage of modern technology.

The Netherlands features one of the most highly educated, flexible and motivated workforces in Europe. Dutch professionals are also among the most multilingual in the world, enabling them to successfully operate in companies across any industry serving customers throughout the continent.

Support and expertise

Since its inception in 1961 the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands has successfully addressed its resources to issues related to improving the investment and trading climate between the Netherlands and the US – striving for the optimum ingredients and environment to make business happen and increase economic welfare.

Chamber member companies employ over 1.3 million people in the Netherlands. Of these, American companies directly employ some 200,000 persons and are the source of almost 5% of the country’s GNP. Total assets of US non-bank foreign affiliates are estimated to total over $750 billion. Over the past decade alone direct investment flows have totaled over $100 billion. American business has had good reason to come to the Netherlands in the past and the Chamber works to ensure they have good reason to stay in the future.

Internationally competitive

The Netherlands’ liberal attitude towards foreign trade and investment has contributed significantly to its prosperity. As Chamber members operate from a base in the Netherlands, it is in their fundamental interest that the country be internationally competitive. In an increasingly competitive international environment the business and investment climate has to be constantly improved. The Chamber makes it its business to advocate this constant review of the investment climate – to retain and sharpen the competitive edge. The Chamber’s focus is its role as the leading voice for foreign investors in the Netherlands. The competitive edge that the Netherlands has built in the past decade needs continuous honing and constant benchmarking to point to areas for improvement.

The role of Amcham

This is the role AmCham has created for itself – identifying investor problems and concerns and pointing to practical solutions. We work together with the Netherlands government in the search for constructive economic policies that enhance the investment climate that leads to more foreign investment and stimulates labor participation. The country is working hard to take a leading competitive position within the EU and we are confident the country will work to maintain this position.

There is continuing progress and concern on the part of the Dutch government to implement policy to further strengthen the Netherlands’ international competitive position and address the challenges head on. The Netherlands is a country with a clear commitment to maximize growth and entrepreneurial activity by creating the conditions necessary for business – both domestic and foreign – to prosper and grow. Our agenda is one for increased investment activity.

Raoul Oberman, President of AmCham Netherlands, is a Director in McKinsey & Co’s office in Amsterdam

 

Contact Information

American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands
WTC D-Tower, 6th floor
Schipol Boulevard 171
1118 BG Schipol Airport
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 795 1840
E-mail: office@amcham.nl
Website: www.amcham.nl

 

Useful websites

netherlands.usembassy.gov	US Embassy in the Netherlands
www.nfia.com	Foreign Investment Agency
www.government.nl	Government page with links to all ministries, news source
www.cbs.nl/en	Institute of Statistics
www.goholland.com	Official tourist board website

 

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