Urban entrepreneurs need tax breaks, room to grow: Minister

Minister Ronald Plasterk of Home Affairs wants dutch cities to be able to compete with the world leaders. He therefore plans to give them a boost to enable more growth and innovation, he said in an interview with Trouw on Wednesday. According to Plasterk, cities are the "engine of our economy and prosperity". Plasterk wants to promote the initiatives of residents and businesses by reducing regulations and government requirements. The cabinet is making the agenda for the city the spearhead next year when the Netherlands has the EU presidency. Plasterk is working with other ministers and city makers on plans to give cities and their residents more freedom. He is opening a conference on the theme in Utrecht on Wednesday. The Cabinet is using inspiration from Denmark with the urban plan. In Denmark there are rule-free zones where innovative businesses, designers, civil initiatives and city governments can give the economy a boost unobstructed. Plasterk hopes to have his urban plans high on the EU agenda next year. "We all struggle with the same challenges of migration to the city" he said to the newspaper. "How do we make our growing cities dynamic, innovative, livable and attractive?" He will suggest that the Eu shifts some of the large agricultural funds to urban development.