Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist April-May 2019 | Page 16

COUNTRY FOCUS LOGISTICS The transportation of goods around the globe increases in volume and distance every single day. Holland plays a key role in the global market because of its well-structured logistics. The centre for world trade Logistics concerns the knowledge and expertise that is necessary for the effi cient planning, execution, and fl ow of goods- and information-streams. For many centuries, the Netherlands has been a centre for world trade. With two significant European cargo mainports, Schiphol airport and Port of Rotterdam, less that one hour distant from each other, the Netherlands is a key logistics hub for the through- transportation of goods to the European hinterland, making it an attractive location for foreign companies. Global trade is expanding and the transportation of goods round the world continues to increase and there is therefore a need for logistics to be as sustainable and effi cient as possible. Many new measures have been implemented to reduce the CO2 emissions produced by the sector, such as hybrid delivery vehicles for urban areas and ships using quayside electricity whilst in port. Through sustainable innovation, the Dutch Logistics sector hopes to be leading the rest by 2020. Logistics also plays a crucial role for virtually all other sectors; from the transportation of raw materials, right through to fi nished products. With a value added of 55 billion euros/year and 813.000 employees, the Logistics sector is a strong driver of the Dutch economy. Five important factors why Holland plays a key role in the global logistics industry: 1. Connecting producers and consumers worldwide 2. The Port of Rotterdam & Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 3. Highly ranked infrastructure 4. Extensive use of Information Technology 5. Sustainability as an important topic on the agenda WATER The Netherlands is a world leader in managing water. Over the decades, the Dutch have mastered the art of fl ood protection and water supply and treatment. As maritime engineers, we also excel in shipbuilding, from utility vessels to super yachts. Dutch maritime expertise is in demand worldwide. We are a major supplier of sustainable systems for the production and supply of water and for the collection, treatment and partial reintroduction of “used” water into the system. The Dutch water sector includes several large engineering fi rms with global operations. Platforms such as the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) promote international cooperation. The water sector is strongly focused on exports and continuous innovation. Water is fundamental to the Dutch culture As well as a threat, water is also essential to life in the delta so, perhaps more than any other sector, the water sector is fundamental to Dutch culture and character. The water sector has 3 primary focus areas: water technology; maritime technology; and delta technology; and these are concerned with protecting the land, generating energy, smart technologies for water recycling, and safe and effi cient ships. Dutch water expertise is amongst the best in the world. Five reasons why the Dutch handle water challenges so well: 1. Water is in the Dutch DNA 2. Dutch water technologies safeguard water and environment 3. Water treatment expertise 4. Integrated water management solutions 5. Investing in research and development  Source: https://www.hollandtradeandinvest.com 16 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 4 • April-May 2019, Noida