Population (2019): 17.3 million1 Bilateral Trade with Singapore (2019): S$16.0 billion Bilateral Trading Partner Rank (2019): 18th Global Competitiveness Index (2019): 4/141 Global Innovation Index (2020): 5/131
1 data.oecd.org/netherlands.htm
The Netherlands has the fifth largest economy in Europe with a GDP of US$902 billion (S$1.2 trillion) in 20192. Its strategic location at the centre of Europe’s largest markets and the Dutch economy’s openness has made the Netherlands a key European hub for many businesses. With a multilingual and well-educated workforce, and a world-class logistics and technology infrastructure, the Netherlands is also home to the regional headquarters of many international companies.
The Netherlands boasts a highly productive and innovative agricultural sector that has made it the world's 2nd largest exporter of agricultural and food products. The country is also home to key sectors like chemicals, food processing, electrical machinery and petroleum refining. These are led by leading Dutch companies such as Akzo Nobel, ASM Technology, FrieslandCampina, Philips and Royal Dutch Shell Group.
Leverage on Netherland’s business-friendly environment, superior business infrastructure and vibrant sectoral ecosystems to scale your business into Europe.
2 data.oecd.org/netherlands.htm
The Netherlands has a highly innovative and entrepreneurial economy that is ranked 5th in the 2020 Global Innovation Index. This is powered by a supportive ecosystem that comprises industry, science and government, which has encouraged cross-sectoral innovation, test-bedding and R&D commercialisation.
Other contributing factors include the country’s well-developed digital infrastructure, combined with a highly educated, tech-savvy, English-speaking workforce and an openness towards new solutions, ideas and products.
Plug into ecosystems in key Dutch sectors such as Agri-tech, Sustainability and Med-tech and leverage multilateral programmes such has EUREKA GlobalStars to source, innovate, develop and bring new capabilities and solutions to Asia.
With the conclusion of the 2nd EUREKA GlobalStars call for co-innovation projects, there have been 83 submissions of which 8 are pairings between Singapore and Dutch-based companies, reflecting a demand for collaboration between innovative start-ups and SMEs from both countries. Your company can leverage on the Dutch innovation ecosystem to bring advanced and ground-breaking solutions to market.
The Netherlands is Singapore’s third largest trading partner and investment destination in the European Union (EU). Bank on the strong ties between the two countries to enter the Dutch market, along with many other Singapore companies. The two countries have signed agreements to mutually support market access and co-innovation in areas of healthcare, agrifood technology, smart mobility, and logistics.
If you are keen to explore business opportunities in the Dutch market, you can approach Enterprise Singapore’s Frankfurt overseas centre, or tap on the Enterprise European Network (EEN) business portal to match services and technology requests with potential partners in the EU and vice versa.