Business Climate

"We deliberately chose a country within the EU with a politically and economically stable climate ...the good relationship we have with the NFIA and the Dutch government is very much appreciated and respected by Eastman!"
Godefroy A. Motte, Vice President and Managing Director, Eastman Chemical (EMEA)

A culture steeped in international business

The Netherlands has long been acknowledged for its conducive business environment. For example, IMD's 2010 World Competitiveness Online ranked the Netherlands well ahead of its key competitors in terms of its "lack of bureaucracy."

In addition, IMD found the Netherlands to have a legal and regulatory framework which encourages business competitiveness, and as a venue from which it is relatively easy to do business.

And, since 2003, Dutch government reforms have either eliminated or strongly committed to eliminate 4 billion euros of administrative burdens on business, making the Netherlands the first country to achieve a 25% reduction in administrative costs. To quote the World Bank Group: "Dutch regulatory reform is among the world's best. It is well-known internationally as the most innovative initiative in cutting red tape."

All this recognition is well earned. The Netherlands has one of the EU's most politically stable and pro-business governments. Its economy is internationally oriented. Its financial sector is sophisticated. Its regulatory climate is simple and straightforward.

High standards of corporate governance

The capability of businesses to comply with both U.S. (i.e. Sarbanes-Oxley) and EU financial reporting requirements is becoming increasingly important. And the ability to implement corporate governance reliably and cost-efficiently is directly impacted by the quality and experience of the local workforce and service organizations.

The Netherlands has distinct advantages in this regard. For example, according to the Ethical Investment Research Services (EIRIS), companies based in the UK and  the Netherlands have developed the best overall corporate governance standards in the world.

Also, recent studies by IMD have shown the Netherlands superior in terms of its auditing and accounting practices, as well as offering a financial system that lowers risk.