Netherlands pushing for permanent G20 position

The Netherlands wants to be a permanent member of the G20 - an annual meeting of the 20 leading economies in the world. According to Minister Henk Kamp of Economic Affairs, the Netherlands deserves a spot on the G20 as the 17th largest economy in the world, AD reports.

"At the next G20 reshuffle, it is logical that the Netherlands will become a permanent member", Kamp said. "The next Cabinet should work on that."

In terms of weight, the Netherlands is the 17th largest economy in the world, with a national income of nearly 770 billion euros. Despite this the Netherlands is not a permanent member, and must depend on an invitation to attend a G20 meeting. This year the Netherlands will be present in Dusseldorf, Germany at Germany's invitation. Next year Argentina is hosting, and will hopefully extend an invitation to the Netherlands.

Kamp understands why the Netherlands is not a permanent member as yet. "Not only the economic weight of a country is important: the size also counts, both in area and population. Furthermore, a certain geographic coverage is desired for the G20." he said, according to the newspaper.

Nevertheless, it is logical that the Netherlands become a permanent member in future, Kamp added. "We are the 17th largest economy in the world, our exports is in the global top five and in terms of digital infrastructure, we are in the top ten. So yes, it is good that we are there."