Success attributed to globalization

Asians boost foreign investments in the Netherlands

THE HAGUE – Globalization has had a positive influence on the Dutch economy, Dutch officials believe. They point to the rise in foreign investment in the country as proof of their conclusions. The number of such projects in 2007 represents an increase of 40 percent over the year before. These projects gave the country a rise of 60 percent in new jobs over the same period. The investment totals in 2007 were 25 percent, up from 2006, reports the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA).

In 2007, the NFIA realized 155 projects with an investment total of $717 million. In due course these projects will create an estimated 3,107 new jobs. These investment projects mostly landed in the provinces of Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland, Noord-Brabant and Gelderland.

The figures show that projects from Asia account for 60% of the total. In 2003 Asian projects were responsible for only 40%. The Asian projects represent more than half of the new jobs created.

The number of projects by Indian, Korean and Chinese firms grew most rapidly, followed by those of Singapore and Japan. This is in line with the acquisition drive in emerging markets (Asia and the Gulf Region) where the NFIA now has 11 offices. The investment projects came mainly from information technology, machinery and equipment, electronic component, medical technology and food and nutrition sectors. The majority were related to marketing and sales, distribution and headquarters operations.