Promoting Dubai as a viable destination for Dutch firms

The Netherlands Business Council (NBC) is all set to celebrate its tenth anniversary in March next year, with due fanfare.

Set up in 1997 at the initiative of the Dutch Consulate and a small group of Dutch businessmen and companies such as Philips, KLM and ABN Amro, the NBC has become a prominent organisation in the Dutch business sector in the region.

"The idea behind setting up the business council ," says Titus DF van der Werf, Chairman - Executive Committee, NBC, "was to serve the Dutch business community by bringing together individuals and companies from diverse sectors who would make their expertise and experience in this region available to people or businesses that wanted to set up operations here."

Werf says that in the last six years, the NBC has grown into a more organised and professional organisation, and has taken on an active role in serving the Dutch business community in tandem with the consulate.

It has also developed a close working relationship with important local bodies and government agencies. The association now has 200 members, of which 17 are corporate members. The NBC also has individual and honorary members.

The NBC works as an information centre for incoming Dutch companies to call on and look for the much-needed support and guidance. Every month an average of 10 Dutch companies request information about setting up operations in the UAE.

Dutch companies participating in trade exhibitions in the UAE are also assisted. Plans are also in the offing to bring in a trade delegation from the Netherlands to consider opportunities in sectors such as construction.

The NBC facilitates networking and a productive exchange of information through a monthly meeting on a social platform. It also has guest speakers, including local dignitaries (to get a regional perspective on business) and members of the international business community.

Luncheons with special guest speakers are also organised during the year for members. Direct mailing and the website are other media used to inform members of the activities of the association. The NBC also donates a percentage of its annual revenue to a local charity to contribute to the local community.

Werf sees the organisation's tenth anniversary as an opportunity to highlight its activities. "It is a fabulous opportunity to draw attention to the work that we are doing in helping the Dutch business community here and promoting Dubai as a viable destination for Dutch companies.

"There are plans to organise a Dutch business/trade gathering that will include Dutch companies who haven't explored Dubai before and want to build awareness of their products and services here. Social events will also be part of the celebrations, which will bring together not just our members but other individuals from the business community here."