The Netherlands and United Arab Emirates strengthen economic cooperation | News item
News item | 02-11-2021 | 2:45 pm
The Netherlands and the Arab Emirates (UAE) united a composite committee to further strengthen economic cooperation. Minister De Bruijn (Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) and Minister Al Zeyou (Foreign Trade) of the agreement signed an agreement on Tuesday in the Dutch pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The economic committee, led by the relevant ministers, meets every two years, together with representatives from companies, knowledge institutions and from both countries.
Lots of business opportunities
The UAE is the largest export destination of Dutch goods within the Gulf region. More than 350 Dutch companies are also located in the country that are active in the water, energy, food and infrastructure sectors. De Bruijn: “We like to support Dutch companies in capitalizing on business opportunities in the UAE. In the country and the sustainable Gulf region, there is a great need for solutions to water shortages, the transition to sustainable energy and food scarcity. Those are exactly the areas in which the Netherlands is good. Economic cooperation with the UAE is already strong: with this committee we are taking an extra step in positioning Dutch companies and knowledge institutions in the country. For example, by discussing how we can attract mutual investments in our company.”
Business statement
The business request of the agreement for economic relations with the UAE. Ingrid Thijssen, chairman of VNO-NCW: “The Netherlands and the UAE have a long-standing trade relationship. For example, the UAE is the largest trading partner for our country in the region. It is important that we further broaden and deepen our economic ties. The Dutch business answer to this new agreement. Our country has unique expertise in water, energy and can play a vital role in solving some of the problems currently applied to the UAE area. But the impact is greater. Working together, companies from both can contribute to today’s major global countries.”
Expo and trade mission
Minister De Bruijn will be in Dubai on Tuesday and Wednesday. He accompanied King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima during their visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, the first world exhibition in the Middle East. De Bruijn leading together with business mission leader In a trade mission to the Expo and the UAE. Fifty companies from the Netherlands are taking part. They are active in the sectors of water, sustainable energy, food and urban logistics.
The trade mission focuses on sustainable urban development.
On the national day on November 3, the King officially opens the Dutch pavilion at the Expo.