Netherlands Country Brief March 2011

8/6/2019 Netherlands Country Brief March 2011

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Exporter Guide

NETHERLANDSCountry BriefMarch 2011

This document is one of a series of free information tools for exporters produced by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. NewZealand Trade and Enterprise provides a wide range of standard services and sophisticated solutions that assist businessesthrough every stage of the export process. For information or advice, phone New Zealand Trade and Enterprise on 0800 555888, visitwww.nzte.govt.nz, or contact your New Zealand Trade and Enterprise client manager.


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Exporter Guide | NETHERLANDS | Country Brief | October 20102/

CONTENTSKEY INDICATORS 3OVERVIEW 3POLITICAL 5IMPORTS AND EXPORTS 5SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES 7REGULATORY ISSUES 11TAXATION 13FREIGHT 13THE NETHERLANDS AS A LOGISTICS HUB INTO EUROPE 14VISA REQUIREMENTS 14CULTURAL AND BUSINESS TIPS 15HOLIDAYS 16USEFUL WEBSITES 17CONTACTS 17


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KEY INDICATORSECONOMIC INDICATOR NETHERLANDS

Population 16.56 million

GDP (Official Exchange Rate) US$770.3 billion (2010 est.)

GDP Per Capita (PPP) $40,500 (2010 est.)

GDP Growth Rate (Real) 1.7% (2010 est.)

Inflation 1.1% (2010 est.)

Total Imports US$543.8 billion (2010)

Total Exports US$602.8 billion (2010)

Currency Euro ()

Exchange Rate 1 = US$1.41

1 = NZ$1.87 (as of 28 March 2011)

Source: CIA World Factbook, Eurostat (via Trade Map), www.xe.com.

OVERVIEWNetherlands and New Zealand

The Netherlands' strategic location within Europe, a population with strong language and

entrepreneurial skills, quality infrastructure, and an open and outward looking economy

combine to make it an attractive "Gateway to Europe" for New Zealand companies.

Relations between New Zealand and the Netherlands are strengthened by the significant

number of Dutch immigrants that have settled in New Zealand, primarily during the

second half of the last century. There are currently more than 130,000 people of Dutch

descent living in New Zealand.

Trade between the Netherlands and New Zealand is moderate, with the Netherlands

ranked as New Zealands 21st most significant bilateral trade partner for the year endingJune 2010.However, the Netherlands is the largest European investor in New Zealand,

reflecting its strong agricultural traditions and the presence of important multinationals in

the Netherlands (e.g. Shell, Unilever, and Rabobank).i

Economy

The Netherlands has developed into a well diversified economy, whose strengths lie in its

services sectors. The Dutch economy has been a free-market system for the last two

decades, with the government actively reducing its role in the economy to regulation and

taxation. The economy is also characterised by moderate unemployment and a sizeable


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current account surplus. However, the global economic downturn adversely affected

economic prospects and the Dutch economy went into recession in 2009 contracting by4 percent. It is expected that the economic recovery will be very slow, with estimated

growth to be around 1.5 percent until 2013.ii

Industry

The services sector has shown marked growth and has steadily contributed to GDP, while

agriculture and industry have declined in their percentage contribution to GDP. Nearly 80

percent of the Dutch workforce is engaged in the services sector, in areas such as

transportation, financial services (including banking and insurance) and business services,

and goods distribution. Despite their current decline, the industries are a major component

of the economy, with energy companies gaining high profits due to the increase in globalenergy prices. Other industrial activities include food processing, chemicals, oil refining

and electrical machinery. Agriculture in the Netherlands is also highly modernised and

efficient, and the sector is still highly profitable.ii

Investment and foreign trade

Owing to its key geographic location, the Netherlands has been able to establish itself as

a gateway to the trade of Europe. Around 80 percent of Dutch exports go to other nations

within the EU and 70 percent of goods imported into the Netherlands come from the EU.

Germany is the Netherlands most significant export and import partner, receiving around

25 percent of the Netherlands exports and supplying around 17 percent of the

Netherlands total imports. The trade activity of the Netherlands is highly developed, withspecial focus on food processing, chemicals, oil refinery and electrical machinery. The

agricultural industry is highly mechanised, and although the sector employs a very low

percentage of the work force, it produces large surpluses for export and ranks the third

highest worldwide in terms of agricultural exports.ii

The government does not discriminate between foreign and domestic companies, allowing

foreign investors access to the same privileges and obligations as their Dutch

counterparts. The government has encouraged joint ventures between foreign investors

and Dutch companies and the introduction of newer production techniques and

management skills. The Netherlands has also set up the Netherlands Foreign Investment

Agency (NFIA) which aids and assists foreign firms to invest in the Netherlands.ii

Compared to many other European countries, the legal and administrative hurdles when

setting up a business in the Netherlands are quite low. The Netherlands had a total of

NZ$4,614 million in New Zealand investments in 2009.iii


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POLITICALThe Dutch government is a parliamentary democracy with the Queen as the head of the

state. After a turbulent period in Dutch politics, Mark Ruttes Liberal Party became the first

minority administration since the 1970s in October 2010. Together with its coalition

partner the Christian-Democratic Appeal and parliamentary support from the anti-

establishment Freedom party, the primary challenge for Rutte will be to improve

government finances. The parties have agreed on 18 billion of fiscal cuts by 2015 in

order to return the budget deficit to balance. The cuts are likely to fall on foreign aid, the

civil service, healthcare and other social security benefits.iv

IMPORTS AND EXPORTSThe Netherlands recorded a trade surplus of US$59 billion for the year 2010 and has

sustained strong surpluses over the past ten years. The Netherlands derives more than

two-thirds of GDP from merchandise trade and is the world's fifth-greatest natural gas

exporter. Imports primarily consist of machinery and transport equipment, chemicals,

fuels, foodstuffs and clothing.v

TOP TEN IMPORTS NETHERLANDS 2010 US$bn

Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, etc 102.75Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, etc 76.75

Electrical, electronic equipment 67.75

Pharmaceutical products 29.45

Vehicles other than railway, tramway 24.31

Optical, photo, technical, medical, etc apparatus 20.37

Organic chemicals 17.34

Iron and steel 13.55

Plastics and articles thereof 13.09

Aluminium and articles thereof 7.60TOTAL IMPORTS 543.79

Source: Eurostat (via Trade Map)


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TOP TEN EXPORTS NETHERLANDS 2010 US$bn

Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, etc 91.63

Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, etc 88.93

Electrical, electronic equipment 71.47



Plastics and articles thereof 23.56

Optical, photo, technical, medical, etc apparatus 20.58

Vehicles other than railway, tramway 17.70


Live trees, plants, bulbs, roots, cut flowers etc 11.14

TOTAL EXPORTS 602.79Source: Eurostat (via Trade Map)

The Netherlands was New Zealand's 18th most significant export destination and 23rd

most significant supplier of imports in 2010. Exports to the Netherlands peaked at NZ$509

million in 2008, but fell to NZ$480 million during the 2009 global financial crisis. A

moderate recovery can be observed in 2010 exports (NZ$494 million). New Zealand's

most significant exports to the Netherlands tend to be agricultural: sheep meat, apples,

cheese, wine, venison, onions and beef. Imports from the Netherlands tend to be bigger

ticket items such as industrial machinery and trucks.vi

NEW ZEALANDS TOP TEN EXPORTS TO NETHERLANDS 2010 NZ$mn

Meat 132.60

Edible fruit and nuts 53.49

Aluminum 52.04

Miscellaneous grain, seed, fruit 39.48

Dairy, eggs, honey, etc 31.33

Beverages 23.22

Vegetables 20.72

Wood 17.65


Electrical Machinery 13.71

Total imports 493.79Source: Statistics New Zealand (via World Trade Atlas)


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NEW ZEALANDS TOP TEN IMPORTS FROM NETHERLANDS 2010 NZ$mn

Machinery 71.55

Plastic 31.97

Miscellaneous food 29.72


Optical, photographic and medical instruments 16.51

Electrical machinery 11.75

Vehicles, not railway 11.55

Fertilisers 9.83


Food waste; animal feed 6.69

Total imports 309.42Source: Statistics New Zealand (via World Trade Atlas)

SECTOR OPPORTUNITIESAs a multilingual, internationally-focused, trading country with an excellent infrastructure,

the Netherlands offers an excellent entry point to business in the EU.

There are good opportunities for New Zealand exports to the Netherlands in a number ofsectors. Some examples are given below.

Health and biotechnology

Medical devices: The medical device market in the Netherlands is well developed and

was valued at approximately 1,675 million in 2010 (or, around 100 per capita). The

market is predicted to increase by 3.5 percent per year over in the next five years.

The economic crisis resulted in a 4.0 percent contraction in the economy in 2009 and has

increased the financial pressures on the health service. Due to falling contributions and

rising expenditure, the health insurance system recorded a deficit of 2.2 billion in 2009, in

contrast to a surplus of 0.6 billion in 2008.The volume of routine elective surgery continues to increase, albeit with strong downward

pressure on costs. Independent treatment centres are continuing to increase their share of

the market.

Price competition amongst insurers and healthcare providers has increased substantially,

resulting in one of the most market-oriented healthcare systems in Europe. There are

plans for further cuts to healthcare spending.

Biotechnology: The Netherlands has one of Europes largest biotech industries. The

major biotechnology fields are human health (therapeutics, diagnostics, and prevention),


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general (Biofine chemicals, equipment, and the environment), and agri-food

biotechnology (nutraceuticals, animal health, plants/seed, and animal feed).

The nutritional research centre in Wageningen is one of the most important in Europe in

terms of nutrition and nutritional components. Wageningen is also home to one of the

worlds largest agri-food clusters the Dutch Food Valley. The Netherlands also has

extensive expertise in plant breeding, particularly in the field of plant genomics. Large food

and food ingredient companies are actively working together with the science community

on food biotechnology.

The Netherlands also has a highly developed industrial infrastructure in the chemical

sector. The chemical industry aims to use more organic raw materials and reduce the

dependency on petroleum-based raw materials over the next 25 years.The Netherlands strength in the areas of human health, agri-food biotechnology,

research, and pro-international orientation, along with the fact that multinational

pharmaceuticals are facing an innovation deficit, offers New Zealand companies

opportunities to cooperate and form strategic alliances. The three main types of

partnerships in the Netherlands are:

licensing agreements

research and development (R&D) partnerships

marketing, sales and distribution agreements.

Production partnerships are also common practice.

Information and communications technology (ICT)

The Netherlands is the sixth largest ICT market in the European Union and has one of the

best information technology (IT) and telecoms infrastructures in Europe. In addition, it

holds a strong history of early adoption and technology savvy. The government is

committed to growing the ICT sector and is encouraging growth through investment,

cooperation and research.

A number of international players, such as Cisco, are using the Netherlands as a base to

access other European markets. On a global scale, the Netherlands ranks second in

broadband networks, third in e-Readiness, fourth in terms of ICT services exports and fifth

in the ICT Development Index of the International Telecommunication Union.

Opportunities exist in software and computer services in particular, as well as in data

communications, network equipment and consumer products.

The 2009 ICT market volume was 29.1 billion in the Netherlands, representing 5.1 percent

of the countrys gross domestic product. Furthermore, the ICT sector in the Netherlands

has a 7.8 percent share in the economic added value of the business sector. Spending on

telecom and internet represents approximately 54 percent of the ICT market, compared to

46 percent of IT expenditures. ICT investments accounted for 22.1 percent of the total


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gross investments in the Netherlands. In 2009, 28,500 ICT companies were active in the

Netherlands.

In the software market, the Dutch are interested in innovative solution. They are ready to

deal with foreign suppliers (currently 65 percent of software is imported) and are very

often prepared to deal in English. A number of New Zealand software exporters have

gained initial experience and success in Continental Europe via the Dutch market. Areas

of opportunity include security software, internet software and services, game software,

CRM, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), SCM (Supply Chain Management) and PDM

(Product Data Management) software. Particular potential exists with small and medium

sized companies which are increasingly adopting CRM, ERP and SCM packages.

Growth in e-commerce and Internet usage has driven an increase in the services market,particularly due to a lack of in-house capacity, security concerns and businesses

refocusing on core activities. Opportunities in related services including consulting,

security services, desktop and network management, application hosting and outsourcing

may exist.

The Netherlands has always been the leading logistics hub for continental Europe and is

home to some of the leading European logistics companies, system integrators and IT

suppliers for traffic and transport. However, over the past years, the Netherlands' leading

position has slowly been eroding due to the lack of innovation in the Dutch transport

sector (according to a recent study commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Transport).

There is a strong demand for smart IT solutions that reduce operation costs and increasecustomer service in the transport and logistics area.

In order to support development in ICT, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency has

developed a Technology Matchmaking Service aimed at matching foreign parties with

Dutch companies for technical cooperation, joint ventures, licensing agreements, R&D

and manufacturing programs. New Zealand companies interested in finding out more

about this service should contact New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Marine industry

The Netherlands is the fifth largest marine leisure market in Europe and one of the worlds

leading superyacht builders. Annual revenue of the recreational marine industry is at 2.6billion. The worlds largest sail yachts are built in the Netherlands. Dutch yards account for

roughly 20 percent (in value) of new superyacht construction globally, with superyacht

exports from the Netherlands accounting for more than 75 percent of export business in

the Dutch boatbuilding industry. The vast majority of Dutch boat builders focus on semi-

custom displacement motoryachts up to 15 meters in length, mainly made out of steel.

Boat ownership per household is 1 in 14, with total boats held at 518,000, of which

approximately 60 percent are motorboats. The Dutch coastline extends some 451km, but

boating is mostly confined to the inland waters. Between 2002 and 2007, the Dutch

marine industry was growing by approximately five percent per annum, but dipped when


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the recession started mid-2008. Since then, the sales have declined by an estimated 20 to

25 percent, with superyacht construction almost coming to a halt. Signs of hope are nowback on the horizon and order books for superyacht builders, boat builders, and marine

equipment manufacturers have started to build up again. Opportunities may exist for New

Zealand suppliers of aftermarket equipment, marine electronics and equipment destined

for the new built and refit markets.

The Netherlands is also the location of METS (www.metstrade.com), Europes leading

marine equipment trade fair, held annually in mid-November. METS 2010 was attended

by almost 19,000 visitors from 85 countries. About 50 percent of visitors were equipment

distributors or boat manufacturers, and most visitors were looking for new products and

innovations, or seeking and maintaining contacts.

HISWA is the industry body for the recreational boat building industry in the Netherlands

(www.hiswa.nl).

Specialised manufacturing

Energy efficiency technology: The Netherlands is at the forefront of utilisation of

renewable resources for the production of energy wind energy and biogas, in particular.

However, the Dutch government recognises that it needs to set more ambitious targets in

order to meet emission targets set by the EU for 2020 and 2050. The lighting sector has

been identified as an area for improvement, due to the high consumption of electricity for

road and public space lighting, for which systems are often out-of-date and in need of

replacement. The government has set itself ambitious targets for 2011, 2012 and 2013 toimprove lighting efficiency in four areas: road, public spaces, business and household

lighting. The overall objective is to reduce lighting electricity consumption by 20 percent in

2013 and 30 percent in 2020.

Opportunities exist for New Zealand providers of energy efficient solutions targeted

towards households and industrial users, in particular in the lighting sector. Opportunities

in the biogas sector, as well as in the wind energy sector, exist for niche solutions.

Food and beverage

Wine: The Netherlands is New Zealands second most important wine market on the

European continent and it is expanding (it grew almost 100 percent between 2005 and2010). In 2010, New Zealand exports reached 3.17 million litres, 28 percent more than the

year prior. While it is highly likely that some of this volume is re-exported to other EU

countries rather than consumed in the Netherlands, it can still be said that this is

significant market.

Per capita consumption in the past 5 years has grown 5 percent to 21.7 litres per capita.

Drivers of this growth are the aging population, with consumers aged 50+ making up 50

percent of the market, and a growing number of female wine drinkers.vii

The most popular countries of origin are France, South Africa and Germany reaching


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more than 70 percent together. Australia ranks sixth and New Zealand 11th(by volume,

2009).

Most wine is sold in supermarkets where price is an important factor. Around 60 percent

of wine is sold below 3.50.viii

For the past 5 years, market shares for the different wine varieties has been relatively

stable with red wine realising around 55 percent market share, white 33 percent and ros

12 percent.

Other opportunities

The Dutch are interested in high quality, innovative goods and services. As such, the

Netherlands may offer potential as a test market or as an entry point to other EU nations.

REGULATORY ISSUESSome of the regulations New Zealand exporters need to be aware of are listed below. For

more detailed information please consult with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise or seek

legal advice where appropriate.

Import barriers

New Zealand exporters generally face very little difficulty in exporting their products to the

Netherlands. The Dutch tendency to support a level playing field in trade matters and their

depth of experience in trade positions them as the genuine "neutral" traders of Europe.

However, as the Netherlands falls under wider EU trade policy, there are high or

escalating tariffs for agricultural and manufactured products which may affect incentives

for some exporters.ix

Import quotas and licences

As a member of the EU, the Netherlands has an attractive tariff for most non-agricultural

items. Imports from the agricultural sector can have very high and sometimes prohibitive

tariffs, whilst some products, including sheep meat and cheese, are subject to quota

arrangements between the EU and New Zealand. Information on current tariff quotas is

made available on-line on the European Community Data Dissemination System(DDS). This information is subject to constant change as a result of the daily operations

which take place.x For more information, see the European Commission Taxation and

Customs Union website:

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/qotcau_en.htm

Product liability

Under EU law, the producer is liable for damage caused by a defect of its product. The

victim must prove the existence of the defect and a causal link between defect and injury.

A reduction of liability of the manufacturer is granted in cases of negligence on the part of


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the victim. For further information, visit the Liability section of the European Commission

website:www.ec.europa.eu/enterprise/regulation/goods/liability_en.htm

Marking and barcodes

Information on the Dutch requirements can be found at www.gs1.nl. This is the website for

GS1 Nederland, who promote, implement and support the effective use of EAN UCC

standards in Dutch supply chains.

Packaging and labelling

Packing and labelling requirements need to be checked before offering product. Packing

and labelling should generally be in Dutch. Label requirements can be heavily regulated,

especially in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. For more information on

labelling, see:

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packagi

ng/index_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/index_en.htm

Standards

As a member of the EU, the Netherlands applies the product standards and certification

approval processes developed by the European Union. As part of the program to establish

common standards for all member countries, the EU regulates key product areas toprotect the health and safety of consumers, as well as the environment. The manufacturer

or a representative must place a CE mark on all regulated products before they can be

sold on the Netherlands. The international quality standard ISO 9000 is widely used.

Tariffs and duties

The EU Common External Customs Tariff applies, which is based on the International

Harmonised System for classifying products. The average tariff applied to all products is

under 1 percent. However, this rises to an average of 6.5 percent for agricultural products.

To check tariffs for individual items, check on the following World Trade Organization

website: www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tariffs_e/tariff_data_e.htm


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TAXATIONTYPES RATES

Corporate tax rates 20% for income between 040,000, 23% for

40,000200,000 and 25.5% for income

exceeding 200,000 (from January 2011).

Resident individual income tax Income is categorised and taxed within 3

boxes. Box 1 is income from employment and

housing and is subject to progressive rates of

2.3% up to 52%.

Value added tax (VAT) VAT is levied at a rate of 19% for most goods

and services.

Withholding tax 15% for dividends, 0% for interest, and 0% for

royalties

Double taxation New Zealand and the Netherlands hold a

Double Taxation Agreement. 1

Source: Deloitte International Tax and Business Guide: Netherlands. www.deloitte.com.

FREIGHTAir freight

Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is a major European hub. Regional airports are located in

Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Maastricht. There are numerous options in terms of routes and

airlines for New Zealanders flying to the Netherlands, but air freight for fresh products may

at times be limited depending on the season. Please check with your freight forwarder.

Sea freight

Rotterdam is one of the largest ports in the world. The port area runs from the city itself

down the Rotte River, a distributary in the Rhine River delta, to the North Sea coast. An

advanced logistics network linking Rotterdam with the rest of Europe supports the port.

There is ample sea freight capability between New Zealand and the Netherlands.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has basic information on air and shipping freight

options to this market, but for details on rates and schedules, exporters should consult

with their freight forwarder.

1Source: New Zealand Inland Revenue. Double-tax agreements. www.ird.govt.nz/yoursituation-nonres/double-tax.


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THE NETHERLANDS AS A LOGISTICSHUB INTO EUROPEThe logistics sector has always been a key industry in the Netherlands and the Dutch

Government is putting a lot of emphasis on growing this industry further. The Netherlands

are well placed to act as a regional import and logistics hub for New Zealand companies

targeting the European market with their products either as a regional hub for a New

Zealand company owned operation or for New Zealand companies wanting to work with a

third-party-logistics provider who can look after supply into all European target markets.

This is due to a number of reasons, including: Proximity to the main economies / selling markets in Europe / logistical

connectedness by sea, air, rail and road from the Netherlands to the main

European selling markets.

Connectivity by sea and air to other global economies incl. Asia-Pacific region.

Schiphol airport is one of Europes largest cargo airports. The port of Rotterdam is

one of the largest ports in Europe.

Ease of doing business in the Netherlands, which includes a customs friendly

regime.

High level of competitiveness in the Dutch logistics industry which results in lowercost services and has generated a large number of specialised logistics

companies able to provide standard as well as customised solutions for New

Zealand companies wanting to do business in Europe.

No language barriers for English speaking companies.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has knowledge and contacts in the Netherlands and

can advise New Zealand exporters on available logistics solutions such as third-party-

logistics for supply of product into the European market.

VISA REQUIREMENTSNew Zealanders can enter the Netherlands for business or tourist purposes on a valid

passport and a return airline ticket for a period up 90 days. The passport must be valid for

at least another three months beyond the expected time of departure. If the intended stay

in the Netherlands is of a nature or length requiring a visa, advice can be obtained from

the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Wellington (Tel: +64 4 471 6390).


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CULTURAL AND BUSINESS TIPS The country should be referred to as the Netherlands rather than Holland, a name

that originates from two provinces North and South Holland. People from other

provinces may object to their country being referred to as Holland.

The official language is Dutch, but English, French, and German are commonly

understood. Over 80 percent of Dutch speak fluent English, so language difficulties

will not usually be an issue.

The Dutch value openness and honesty, both seen as essential in building up the

trust necessary for a strong business relationship. They can often seem very direct,

saying exactly what they mean, but this should not be misunderstood as disinterestin building relationships. Humour also plays an important role, helping create a

relaxed and open atmosphere.

Work colleagues usually address each other by their first names, especially in the

main cities and in newer businesses. As a reflection of the egalitarian Dutch society,

it is considered bad manners to display ones ranking in the social or office hierarchy.

Teamwork is considered very important in the Netherlands.

Good topics of conversation in the Netherlands include the weather, politics, travel

and sport. Try to avoid money, coffee shops or Dutch food (unless you are being

complimentary).

Being such good traders, the Dutch will be keen to take up new, innovative

products, for which they see market potential. But they can be hard negotiators. Be

prepared to offer your Dutch partner a discount, to give the feeling that a bargain

has been made. Calculate this into your list price.

Companies need to work at maintaining a good working relationship with their Dutch

partners. This may require regular visits to the market. The cost of accommodation

and daily expenses in the Netherlands is fairly high compared to New Zealand.

Exporters need to budget for these costs when planning visits or evaluating the cost

of market support.

It is not appropriate to request appointments from large organisations at short

notice. Long lead times are generally expected. Punctuality with appointments is

vital.

Decisions can be made very quickly, providing the necessary information has been

made available to the Dutch partner. Where there is a delay, it may be due to the

need to consult with other employees. This inclusive Dutch approach to decision

making takes place in the framework of a Vergadering, or internal company

meeting.


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It is generally advisable to avoid gift giving in the Netherlands in the context of a

business relationship. If a gift is given, it should be small, possibly somethingrelating to New Zealand. Following the signing of an important deal, it may be

appropriate to invite your business partner, together with their team, for drinks.

Flowers are appropriate for an invitation to a private house.

The Netherlands is 10 to 12 hours behind New Zealand, depending on the time of

year. During Dutch daylight savings (March-October), the Netherlands is 10 hours

behind. During New Zealand's daylight savings (October-March), the Netherlands is

12 hours behind. For the brief period of transition between the countries' daylight

savings starting and finishing, the Netherlands is eleven hours behind.

HOLIDAYS

2010 2011

New Years Day 1 Jan 1 Jan

Good Friday 22 Apr 6 Apr

Easter Sunday 24 Apr 8 Apr

Easter Monday 25 Apr 9 Apr

Queens Birthday 30 Apr 30 AprLiberation Day 5 May 5 May

Ascension Day 2 Jun 17 May

Day of the Pentecost 13 Jun 28 May

Christmas Day 25 Dec 25 DecSource:www.wordtravels.com


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USEFUL WEBSITESORGANISATION WEBSITE

Ministry of Economic Affairs www.minez.nlMinistry of Foreign Affairs www.minbuza.nlNetherlands Foreign Trade Agency www.hollandtrade.com

Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency www.nfia.com

Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis www.cpb.nl

Netherlands Bank www.dnb.nl

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) www.cbs.nl

Customs Administration www.douane.nl

Internal Revenue www.belastingdienst.nl

Netherlands Board of Tourism www.holland.com

Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) www.schiphol.nl

Port of Rotterdam www.portofrotterdam.com

Netherlands Railways (NS) Timetable www.ns.nl

CONTACTSNew Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Phone 0800 555 888

Website www.nzte.govt.nz

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in the Netherlands

The Trade Commissioner in Germany is also responsible for the Dutch market.

Contact Marcus Scoliage, Trade Commissioner

Address C/- New Zealand Consulate-General

Zrich-Haus

Domstr. 19

20095 Hamburg

Germany

Email [email protected]

Phone +49 40 442 5550


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New Zealand Embassy

Contact H.E George Troup

Address New Zealand Embassy

Eisenhowerlaan 77N

2517 KK The Hague

Email [email protected]

Phone +31 70 346 9324

Disclaimer:

This publication is provided to you as a free service and is intended to flag to you market opportunities and possibilities.Use of and reliance on the information/products/technology/concepts discussed in this publication, and the suitability ofthese for your business is entirely at your own risk. You are advised to carry out your own independent assessment of thisopportunity. The information in this publication is general; it was prepared by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)from publicly available and/or subscription database sources. NZTE; its officers, employees and agents accept no liability forany errors or omissions or any opinion/s expressed, and no responsibility is accepted with respect to the standing of anyfirm/s, company/ies or individual/s mentioned. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is not responsible for any adverseconsequences arising out of such use. You release New Zealand Trade and Enterprise from all claims arising from thispublication. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise reserves the right to reuse any general market information contained in itsreports.

iSource: Statistics New Zealand. Global New Zealand International Trade, Investment and Travel Profile

Year ended December 2009.(www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/industry_sectors/imports_and_exports/global-nz-dec-09.aspx).

iiSource: Datamonitor, June 2010. Netherlands: Country Analysis Report-In-Depth PESTLE Insights.

iiiSource: Statistics New Zealand. Global New Zealand - International Trade, Investment and Travel Profile -

Year ended December 2009. www.stats.govt.nz.iv

Source: EIU Viewswire, 14 October 2010. Netherlands politics: At last, a government. Retrieved from

OneSource.v

Source: Trading Economics. Netherlands Balance of Trade. (www.tradingeconomics.com).vi

Source: Statistics New Zealand. Global New Zealand - International Trade, Investment and Travel Profile -

Year ended December 2009. www.stats.govt.nz.vii

Source: Trendbox Wijn, A.C.Nielsen, March 2010.viii

Source Wine Intelligence UK, Nov 2010.ix

Source: US Commercial Service. Doing Business in the Netherlands: 2010 Country Commercial Guide forU.S. Companies. www.buyusa.gov/newhampshire/netherlandsccg.pdf.x

Source: Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Guide to Doing Business in the EU. www.hktdc.com.

Documents

Netherlands Country Brief March 2011