Investment climate

The financial sector is an important sector within the Dutch knowledge-based economy.

During the past few decades, both in Europe and throughout the world, there has been an increase in border-crossing business activities, even in the field of financial markets. With the emergence of new countries and new markets, competition and the dynamics in the economic landscape have increased due to globalisation and internationalisation. This trend is becoming increasingly apparent due to growing harmonisation in the internal European border-crossing market.

Position of the Netherlands
The Netherlands, with its traditionally relatively important financial institutions, certainly in relation to the size of its economy, has a good starting position within Europe with respect to its financial sector. The supervisory legislation in the Netherlands was recently modernised; in all aspects, the country provides for a stable climate for doing business, with a population that is highly educated, well-trained and international in its orientation. It finds itself in many aspects at an intersection of knowledge, connections and business cultures, and forms a springboard between European territory and other financial centres.

Establishment climate project
The above-mentioned developments, trends and redistribution of activities mean that the position taken in by the Netherlands is not (or no longer) a constant factor. The Netherlands will have to re-position itself on the international and European financial markets if it is to retain and extend its present position.
The Minister of Finance has started a project for rapidly and efficiently implementing a number of measures and a plan of action in order to allow the Netherlands to take shape as a centre of finance.