Netherlands embassy workers discussing country's global role

The Netherlands' Ambassadors Conference is starting in The Hague today. For the coming week Dutch ambassadors, consulates and permanent representatives at international institutions will meet and discuss developments in the Netherlands, the government's policy and important topics for the coming year. On Tuesday the ambassadors will meet with Ministers, parliamentarians, companies and social organization. Kim Putters of the Social and Planning Office will also discuss the social state of the Netherlands based on the results of the latest citizens' perspective study with the ambassadors. Wednesday will focus on economic diplomacy. Hans de Boer of employers organization VNO-NCW will brief the ambassadors on the Dutch economy. After that the ambassadors will have "speed dates" with entrepreneurs who want to export abroad and need help and advice from the embassies. On Thursday and Friday the ambassadors each have their own program. This includes thematic sessions, regional conferences and personal meetings with research institutions and social organizations. The Netherlands has about 107 ambassadors, 25 consuls-generals and 10 permanent representatives of international organizations, sch as the EU, UN and NATO.