Netherlands Permanent Virtual Exhibition and Business Directory

25% of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is below sea level. The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a constitutional monarchy and began life as a republic in the 16th century. It soon became one of the world’s most powerful seafaring nations.

The country has produced some of the world’s greatest painters, among them Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer. Today the Netherlands is one of the world’s most densely populated nations and a key player in European Union affairs.

The Netherlands’ natural resources include natural gas, petroleum, and its legendary fertile soil. Agricultural output accounts for approximately 2% of GDP and includes cut flowers, dairy, flower bulbs, meat, potatoes, poultry, sugar beets and grain.

Dutch companies are active in a number of industries, including bulk chemicals, construction, electric machinery and equipment, fishing, metal and engineering products, microelectronics, natural gas, petroleum products, steel and aluminium and transport equipment.

The country’s services sector represents almost 73% of GDP, with Dutch companies demonstrating particular strength in the business services, financial, storage, communication and transport industries. Tourism is also a key contributor of GDP, with tourists travelling from all over the world to stroll along Amsterdam’s canals or visit the windmills.

Key Dutch trading partners include Germany, Belgium, China, the UK, the USA and France. The Netherlands’ economy is expected to grow approximately 2% in 2010, thanks to an increase in international trade, the biggest driver of the Dutch economy. In the first third of 2010, exports increased by 17%.

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