Economy Min. to join 60 entrepreneurs on China trip

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Henk Kamp, will be visiting China next week, in an attempt to bring Dutch entrepreneurs and scientists more opportunities in burgeoning Chinese markets. Like Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan's similar trip to China in October 2014, the goal will also be to bring more Chinese investment and tourism to the Netherlands.

Kamp will be bringing dozens of Dutch and Chinese companies and knowledge institutes in touch with each other during his visit to Beijing, Chongqing and Chengdu. Amongst the Dutch firms taking part are multinationals and small- and mid-sized businesses focused on energy, aerospace, automotive, high tech, life sciences & health, logistics and agriculture.

"During this visit to China, the Netherlands will demonstrate its expertise and establish business contacts in the fields of energy, aerospace, automotive and tourism. If we seize opportunities, we profit from the impressive growth of the world's second largest economy," Minister Kamp states in a release.

In addition to business and investment opportunities, tourism to the Netherlands was also brought to attention. Tourism from China to the Netherlands rose by 18 percent in 2014 compared to a year earlier.

"This visit gives us jobs, exports and income," comments Kamp. Mayor van der Laan's visit a few months ago helped secure multiple investment commitments from companies like telecom giant Huawei.

After Germany, the Netherlands is the biggest trading partner for China within the European Union. The investments and trade between China and the Netherlands have been increasing every year.