Dutch |
Print| General profile of the Netherlands |
| Size and relevance of the Dutch market |
| Economic parameters of 2008 |
| Location |
| English speaking |
| Foreign exchange controls |
General profile of the Netherlands
The Netherlands is located at the center of the West Coast of Europe, nested by the Scandinavian countries in the North, Germany on the East, France and Belgium at the South, and on the West, separated by the North Sea, the United Kingdom.
The Netherlands is a Kingdom in the form of a constitutional monarchy. The Kingdom of The Netherlands consists of the Netherlands and in the Caribbean, The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. From the Caribbean Islands, Aruba obtained a separate status.
Through its favorable geographical location within Europe, its membership of the European Union and the availability of an excellent distribution infra-structure, The Netherlands provide easy access to and guarantees fast delivery of goods across Europe and to the rest of the world.
The Dutch economic system is widely regarded as a model of consensus. Trade unions and employers’ organisations have close and regular contact and as a result thereof stability is maintained. The government interferes as little as possible in industrial relations.
The Dutch market place is characterised by:
Size and relevance of the Dutch market
Although the Netherlands is a relatively small country with a small population, it does have a large and powerful economy. Being one of the most important trading nations in the world, imports and exports are of major importance to its economy.
The Netherlands is the world’s fifth-largest exporting country (US$ 634 billion or 3.9% according to the World Trade Report 2009 published by the WTO), the sixth-largest source of investment, and its GDP is the 16th-highest in the world. It has a population of approximately 16.7 million and a GDP of $ 670.2 billion (2008). The Netherlands derives more than two-thirds of GDP from merchandise trade.
Like the rest of the world The Netherlands also suffers from the deep global recession. The Dutch economy is expected to shrink by 4¾% this year. And a further ½% decline in GDP is forecast for next year. For more information and key data we refer to the attached schedule with economic parameters, as published by the World Trade Organization in 2009. world_trade_report09_e.pdf
The Netherlands is situated in the industrial heart of Europe at the centre of an excellent distribution network. It has an advanced transport infrastructure centred on Rotterdam, the largest port in the world and Schiphol. Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport is the fourth biggest cargo-handling airport in Europe.
Various types of bondage storage facilities are available throughout the country. The customs procedures are fast and smooth and designed to facilitate the handling of transit goods.
The Netherlands has up-to-date communications technology, which includes the GigaPort Platform.
Several of the world’s largest multinationals, such as Shell, Unilever and Philips, were founded in The Netherlands.
The average Dutch person is multi-linguistic and fluent in at least one foreign language. The majority of the Dutch population speaks English and many speak German and/or French.
No restrictions are imposed on the movement of funds into and out of The Netherlands. International payments do however need to be reported for statistical purposes. Furthermore, the 11/9 disaster has also in the Netherlands resulted in alertness for terrorism which amongst others resulted in stringent legislation and reporting requirements in particular for the financial sector.
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