Netherlands profile

(Last updated: 20 Feb 2009)

Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to the Netherlands. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Country facts

Capital city: Amsterdam

Surface area: 42,000 sq km

Population: 16.8 million

Official language(s): Dutch

Head of State: HM Queen Beatrix

Head of Government: Prime Minister HE Dr Jan Peter Balkenende

Australian exports to the Netherlands: A$3,183 million

Australian imports from the Netherlands: A$1,771 million

The Netherlands' principal export destinations: Germany, Belgium, UK

The Netherlands' principal import sources: Germany, Belgium, USA

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Economic climate

For a country with a small population, the Netherlands has a large and powerful economic position. It is the world’s eighth largest exporting country (third largest in the export of food), the sixth-largest source of investment, and its gross domestic product (GDP) is the 15th highest in the world. The Dutch economy is extremely open to world trade as well to the other members of European Union (EU) or the other parts of the world.

For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.

Political climate

The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, but the seat of government and location of ministries and embassies is The Hague. The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The head of state is Her Majesty Queen Beatrix who was crowned in 1980. The country is governed by a parliamentary democracy underpinned by a written constitution.

The Prime Minister is the Christian Democrats leader, Dr Jan Peter Balkenende. During the current weak economic climate, the government focused on a strict fiscal policy to keep in line with the European Union requirements ('Stability Pact').

Trade relations and statistics

Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.

Podcasts

Business Development Manager, Thijs de Neeve, discusses the Netherlands market including success factors and challenges.

Characteristics of the Netherlands market (0m59s, 0.7MB)

Success factors and challenges of entering the Netherlands market (1m31s, 1.2MB)

Bilateral agreements

Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.

For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.

Sidebar Content

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the ANCP website.