Successful trade mission to Australia brings in 125 mil. in orders

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima's state visit to Australia and the simultaneous trade mission was a success. The trade mission brought in about 125 million euros in orders to Dutch businesses, Minsiter Henk Kamp of Economic Affairs announced in Brisbane on Friday, the Telegraaf reports.

The trade mission was comprised of 95 companies, that traveled in the wake of the Royals on their state visit. Dutch companies and their Australian partners signed contracts and cooperation agreements in a number of sectors, including water, healthcare, horticulture, IT and infrastructure.

According to Kamp, the preliminary outcome of this trade mission is very positive. "The Netherlands has knowledge and expertise that Australia can use, for example, when it comes to agriculture, healthcare and technology. In the futre too there will be results from this mission, because Dutch companies were brought in contact with Australian companies, knowledge institutions and governments", Kamp said, according to the newspaper. "Export of knowledge and products provides our businesses with revenue and jobs."

King Willem-Alexander is also positive about their visit to Australia, which came to an end on Friday. According to the King, the Netherlands and Australia "can mean a lot" together in the world and he believes that the two countries will "work very well together" in the centuries to come, NU.nl reports. The King and Queen will now trave to New Zealand for a state visit.