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Dubai: Dutch Consul General Kees van Spronsen says trade between the Netherlands and the UAE amounted to 1.3 billion euros in 2007, which is "a very good mirror of the economic activities between the two countries".
"There is a speeding up of the bilateral economic co-operation we have. And that's a very good thing," Van Spronsen said.
He noted that 40 per cent of his country's worldwide activities are in the UAE, specifically Dubai. The UAE is the most important regional export market of the Netherlands. Holland currently has 380 companies in the UAE - 350 in Dubai.
Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade Frank Heems-kerk is currently in the UAE to promote water management and sustainable energy in the country and strengthen the econ-omic ties between the countries.
As from January 1, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) began work from its new office in Dubai. The NFIA will help and advise foreign companies wanting to take advantage of the Dutch business environment.
Conference
The minister will also attend a conference aiming to connect the Dutch and Afghan business sectors. The Netherlands Business Council and the Dutch Consulate, together with the Afghan Business Council, have launched an initiative to improve the Afghan business community with Dubai as its hub.
Water management, sustainable energy and investment opportunities are high on the agenda.
"It is not enough to have a military presence to secure the country. We need to help the country develop by investing in their economy. Then they can keep their own economy afloat," Van Spronsen said.
Development projects focusing on agriculture, education and infrastructure are at the top of the list.
"The spin-off from a booming Dubai to the other emirates is under-estimated. We have to follow carefully that process and development," Van Spronsen said.
"In the long run, our aim is to consolidate our position. It's not a case of 'I came, I saw, I conquered.' But, "I came and I tried to stay'.
"I see good prospects. Small companies in Holland can now bear the fruits in the UAE. But they need to come here and invest," he said.
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