The Netherlands are more than tulips, cheese and Frikandel special
When people think of the Netherlands, their minds stray to “gezelligheid” (conviviality) and tranquil canals. The Netherlands, however, are more than tulips, cheese and Frikandel special. Marked by their own history, the Dutch rank among the five largest export countries worldwide. An open trade culture, strong internationality and hospitality characterise the interactions in this trading nation, which is also rich in tradition.
Well connected to the European and international markets
Due to its geographical location, the country is well connected to the European and international markets. The west of the country is characterised by its proximity to the North Sea: The port of Rotterdam is the gateway to the world and is one of the five largest ports in the world. Schiphol Airport was among the top three European airports in 2017 with more than 68.5 million passengers. Accordingly, the Netherlands is a central logistical hub for European and global goods traffic.
Pixabay/ 3093594
The so-called Randstad is the engine of the country’s economy. This culturally leading region in the Netherlands includes the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. Half of all Dutch people live in this metropolitan area.
The services, trade, industry and agriculture sectors are the backbone of the economy. The Netherlands is the largest agricultural export nation after the USA, with neighbouring Germany being the largest importer with 25%. The entrepreneurs are generally innovative and the workers are very well educated, multilingual and flexible.
Furthermore, foreign companies value the efficient infrastructure, entrepreneur-friendly approval procedures and attractive legal framework conditions, as well as optimal tax conditions and tax treaties with more than 80 countries.
Multinational corporations also have the option of making separate arrangements with the Dutch tax authorities. More than 12,000 foreign companies are already benefiting from the optimal possibilities of the Netherlands as a location with regard to tax planning. This positive climate is significantly supported by the political sphere.
Constitutional monarchy
From a political point of view, the country is a parliamentary democracy, but under constitutional law, however, it’s a constitutional monarchy.
King Willem-Alexander has been the head of state since April 30, 2013. He has three daughters together with his wife Queen Máxima: Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane. The royal family enjoys great popularity among the population. The Prime Minister since October 2017, in his third term, is Mark Rutten, who leads a conservative-liberal coalition of the VVD, CDA, D66 and CA parties. Consequently, business-friendly policies can be expected to continue over the next few years in the Netherlands.
