NETHERLANDS 2013 by CorD Magazine

SPECIAL EDITION

"World's Markets and Opportunities"

Netherlands

2013

The Netherlands has an estimated population of 16,778,806 (as of 31 January 2013). It is the 10th most populous country in Europe and the 61st most populous country in the world.

The Netherlands has the 17th largest economy in the world, and ranks 10th in GDP (nominal) per capita.. Inflation is 1.3%, and unemployment is at 4.0% of the labour force. By Eurostat standards, unemployment in the Netherlands the lowest rate of all European Union member states.

The Netherlands is a geographically low-lying country, with about 20% of its area and 21% of its population located below sea level and 50% of its land lying less than one metre above sea level.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a sovereign state and constitutional monarchy with territory in Western Europe and in the Caribbean. The vast majority of the country of the Netherlands is located in Europe, with the exception of its three special municipalities (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba) that are located in the Caribbean. The countries of Aruba, Curaรงao, and Sint Maarten are located in the Caribbean as well.

The Netherlands is one of the most secular countries in Western Europe, with fewer than 20% visiting church regularly.

Approximately 4.5 million of the 16 million people in the Netherlands are registered to one of the 35,000 sports clubs in the country.

Cycling in the Netherlands is a common and popular method of transport and recreation, accounting for 27% all trips nationwide, and up to 59% of all trips in its cities.

Flowers and the Netherlands are inextricably linked. Flowers are the things that add color to the typically Dutch landscape. Bulb fields, long narrow ditches and green strips of grass create a colourful palette, especially in the provinces of Noord-Holland and Flevoland. Flowers are not only one of the main export products of the Netherlands, they also attract many tourists from all over the world, year after year.

interview

H.E. Mr. Laurent Stokvis, Ambassador, Royal Netherlands Embassy to Serbia

Reform with a European Dimension Dutch and Serbian businesspeople have been working together all along, but the intensity of business has varied considerably over time, in line with the business climate. Now that Serbia is firmly on the road towards the EU economic cooperation is taking a real upturn • How would you rate the overall relations between the two countries today? - Our relations are very good. There is a lot of interaction between our two countries. We are actively support Serbia’s progress on its path towards the EU in our policies and by providing direct assistance where we can do so usefully. And we are among the most active countries in this respect. We support the important progress the Serbia has recently been making by arriving at agreements with Kosovo, by planning and undertaking necessary reforms. We are clear as to the standards that Serbia must achieve in order to fulfil your goal of becoming member of the EU. We will not hesitate pointing out

n order to reach its goal of EU accession, Serbia still has a great deal of work to do, especially in the implementation of reforms. In the words of H.E. Mr. Laurent Stokvis, Ambassador, Royal Netherlands Embassy to Serbia: “In preparing for EU accession, Serbia must carry out deep reforms. It must achieve standards of democratic governance, of respect of human rights, rights of minorities.” The Ambassador, however, expresses a great deal of satisfaction with the work done so far in aligning regulations, and he is optimistic about the success of the implementation process. In this exclusive interview, Ambassador Stokvis speaks unambiguously about the road ahead.

We will not hesitate pointing out where more work is needed in our opinion, but we are doing so constructively, engaging with our Serbian counterparts in finding solutions

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

where more work is needed in our opinion, but we are doing so constructively, engaging with our Serbian counterparts in finding solutions. And it is clear that our interest in the reform process and the support is very well received.

• Do you agree with the assessment that economic cooperation between the two countries has often been much better than political cooperation? - We have a long tradition of economic cooperation. Dutch companies like Philips have been working here as of the beginning of the last century. Dutch transport companies, DAF-trucks and VDL-busses ply Serbian roads already for a long time. Dutch agricultural products and know-how are household words in Serbia for quality. Our cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture is very close. We will be the partner of the Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad in 2014. Three of the six inland waterways shipbuilders in Serbia are Dutch. Dutch and Serbian businesspeople have been working together all along, but the intensity of business has varied considerably over time, in line with the business climate. Now that Serbia is firmly on the road towards the EU economic cooperation is taking a real upturn. Dutch firms are actively investing in the renewable energy sector, in biomass, in wind-energy, in IT. There is also a renewed interest in high-end agricultural technologies, seeds, plants, in creative industries. • What do you think of the key political events in Serbia, and particu-

larly of the agreement with Priština and the effects of its implementation? - The signing of the agreement was a defining moment. The principles on how to go forward were established. Implementing this agreement and finding solutions to the questions that are being handled in the technical working groups will enable the normalisation of relations and will open the road to a better, more prosperous future for all, including the Serbs in Kosovo. It is also the key requirement for opening the negotiations with the EU on Serbia’s accession. Once the negotiations have started, I expect a new dynamic, faster development. • In your opinion, what is the most important condition that Serbia needs to fulfil in order to be given a date for the beginning of accession negotiations? Will the Netherlands support the idea of giving a negotiation date to

date for starting the accession negotiations based on the results that will have been achieved at the time that this decision must be made. Agreement on the implementation plan and the concrete steps that the Serbian government will have taken in implementing it will be at the centre of the decision-making process in the Netherlands. The decision whether Serbia will now get a date will be made by the European Council.

I expect that once we can clearly explain that the EU is a powerful agent for change, public opinion will become more enthusiastic about the EU Serbia, and on what terms? - The Netherlands supports Serbia on its path towards the EU. The government will take a position on the

• Although the European integration process in Serbia has been going well, the citizens have become rather indifferent about it. Do you think that the crisis in the European Union is the only reason for that? - I am encouraged by opinion polls indicating high support for reform. In preparing for EU accession, Serbia must carry out deep reforms. It must achieve standards of democratic governance, of respect of human rights, rights of minorities, ⇢

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Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

rent high level. Still there is much potential to improve the relations further by adding even more value to the existing supply chains, by investigating possibilities for largescale investment in agricultural production. We are major investors in the renewable energy sector and see great opportunities for further investment. I am proud of our cooperation with the Ministry of Energy resulting in the National Renewable Energy Action Plan that will help Serbian meet European standards in the near future. I see multiple opportunities for Dutch companies to become involved in this field. The

including those of LGBT that are equal to those in the EU. It must become a vigorous market economy that will thrive in the competitive internal market. It must adopt and apply the EU rules and regulations. It is therefore encouraging that there is high support for reform, because the road towards the EU is a road of reform. However, we should explain clearly that the process of preparing for accession will be of great help in achieving the transformation that Serbia wishes. Serbia will be able to call upon the vast expertise and resources of the European Union, its member states and, foremost, of the European Commission in carrying out these reforms. I expect that once we can clearly explain that the EU is a powerful agent for change, public opinion will become more enthusiastic about the EU. Successful steps towards the EU are powerful signals for foreign investors. Investments, in turn, will have an impact on unemployment and on life standards. Therefore, restoring enthusiasm is a process of coming nearer to the EU by carrying out reforms that will bring practical benefits and further the integration process. • The Netherlands has the fifth largest economy in the Eurozone. What aspects of the economic relations between the Netherlands and Serbia have the biggest potential for growth? - There are several sectors which can generate a large boost to our bilateral economic relations. I just mentioned agriculture, renewable energy, creative industries, IT and metal processing as examples. I already said that our cooperation in the field of agriculture is traditionally strong. We have an MoU with the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture. We will make the most of the Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad in 2014. We have conducted numerous seminars and trade missions involving farmers and programs which have brought our cooperation to the cur-

As a country you fight corruption primarily because it harms development, but it is indeed true that the fight against corruption has a European dimension

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

Netherlands companies in the ITsector are performing well, mainly in Novi Sad. I see – as yet not fully realised - opportunities in the metal processing sector. The presence of Dutch companies in the shipbuilding sector is yielding good results. • In that light, what should the Serbian government do in order to create better conditions for the arrival of the Dutch investments? - Judicial reform, clarity of property rights (also by quickly dealing with restitution cases), an effective fight

against corruption, a further simplification, and more clarity, of administrative procedures and clear and simple tax-rules are improvements that attract businesses. • What is your view of the results accomplished by the Serbian government in fighting corruption, and to what extent can the continuation of anti-corruption activities improve the relations between Serbia, other regional countries and the EU? - The Serbian government is very much aware how vital fighting corruption is for the future of the country. Corruption diminishes the trust of the citizen in the state and undermines the effective and efficient delivery of its services; it falsifies the outcome of tenders; it creates uncertainty in doing business and has a very negative effect on investors. As a country you fight corruption primarily because it harms development, but it is indeed true that the fight against corruption has a European dimension. Zero tolerance for corruption, effective action plans and determined actions for its eradication are needed to ensure that Serbia will meet the European standards in this respect. We are encouraged by the actions that have already been taken and we are looking forward to the adoption of an effective anti-corruption strategy with clear action plans. The Embassy supports the work that is being undertaken in finalising this strategy. Rooting out corruption requires a long-term systematic approach by the administration, the judiciary and the citizens. A culture of zero tolerance of corruption must be promoted and ensured. • The Netherlands is known for its adherence to human rights. What can Serbia learn from the Netherlands in this respect? - Human and minority rights have always been a priority for the Netherlands. Allow me to highlight one such right. One of our priorities is the improvement of the situation for the LGBT community worldwide,

including Serbia. Human and minority rights are indeed a high priority of foreign and internal policy of the Netherlands, everywhere and always. Serbia’s legislative framework for human rights and the protection of minorities is generally in line with EU standards. The work ahead is mainly in the field of implementation. We are supporting the development of the Serbian national anti-discrimination strategy by the Office for Human and Minority Rights in order to increase the action of the state in this respect. You mentioned LGBT as a point in case. I expect that the Strategy will re-affirm the right of peaceful assembly for LGBT persons and will set out measures to ensure that this right can be peacefully and safely exercised. I think that attacks against LGBT members should be punished according to the law and that a Pride [Parade] should be possible in Belgrade. You asked about the Netherlands. The Netherlands

and Amsterdam in particular, have a tradition of Prides. Half a million people are joining in the fun of the Amsterdam Gay Pride along the canals every year in August. I hope that the 2013 Belgrade Pride Week in September with its many activities and the Pride itself will help stimulating an open and constructive debate and contribute to further recognition and protection of the rights of LGBT persons in Serbia.

Serbia’s legislative framework for human rights and the protection of minorities is generally in line with EU standards

• The Dutch are also known as determined and diligent people. How does a Dutchman manage in a country like Serbia, and what kind of problems does he or she usually encounter? - Serbia is a great country to live in. We are more alike than many think. Belgrade is on the list of many Dutchmen as a tourist destination. We miss bicycles and we will therefore sponsor a large bicycle event in Belgrade early July. ■

Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

interview

Mrs. Dominique Adriënne Christine BAKKER Kühling, Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Netherlands Embassy

Serbia’s Staunch Supporter The Netherlands is a staunch supporter of Serbia’s EU perspective. Clearly, receiving a date for the start of the accession negotiations would represent a significant milestone in this process. I expect that the reform process that has already started will accelerate as a result of this. This will help build trust and convince potential investors that Serbia is indeed on the right track

- Dutch-Serbian bilateral relations are very good. I would not like to single out one particular area of cooperation, as this would not do justice to the other fields in which we are successfully working together. Let me highlight some of these areas: we consider ourselves a key partner of Serbia in its EU integration process. We cooperate closely with Serbian stakeholders in the fields of the rule of law, agriculture and law enforcement. Also, we have outstanding cultural relations. As for our economic cooperation, I am very pleased to note the progress made over the past few years. But I think we can do

n a great many areas, including agriculture, trade, IT, as well as culture and know-how, the Netherlands has been an important partner to Serbia throughout the transition and now in the run-up to EU accession negotiations. According to Mrs. Dominique Adriënne Christine BAKKER Kühling, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Netherlands Embassy, both countries could do more to increase this cooperation. By this, she refers to the work ahead of Serbia in continuing its reforms and also to the potential for further Dutch investment and assistance in helping Serbia attain its goals.

As for our economic cooperation, I am very pleased to note the progress made over the past few years. But I think we can do better still. One could say that in Serbia, the Netherlands is punching below its weight

• Economic relations have often been the highlight of Serbian–Dutch cooperation. What is your view of the overall economic relations between the two countries?

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

better still. One could say that in Serbia, the Netherlands is punching below its weight. The Netherlands is the world’s 20th largest economy and the largest exporter of agricultural produce, yet in Serbia we are still underrepresented. It is my firm belief that with the further improvement of the Serbian investment

climate, the presence of Dutch companies on the Serbian market will show an upward trend as well. • What economic segments and projects can boost economic cooperation between the two countries? - There are several areas that stand out in our bilateral economic relations. These are agriculture, metal processing, renewable energy and IT. Cooperation in the field of agriculture is particularly promising: the Dutch have recognized the excellent quality of agricultural produce in Serbia, and the Serbs see their Dutch colleagues as natural partners when it comes to cattle farming or production of seeds and flowers. Metal processing is another area that merits attention. A number of Dutch wharfs that are building ships for river transportation have successfully set up shop in Serbia. As shipbuilding requires a great variety of auxiliary services, the overall metal processing cooperation has flourished in the last decade. Dutch-Serbian cooperation in the field of energy has its basis in two government to government programmes in the field of renewable energy. We see a number of Dutch investors and equipment suppliers present on the market with a keen interest to explore the op-

tions in your country. Once the legal framework is in place, we can expect substantial investments to materialize. And last but not least: IT. Serbia is home to several Dutch IT companies that have recognized the vast potential of the local human capital and are operating successfully. • The economic downturn in Europe has prompted many companies to start seeking better conditions for doing business in emerging countries, like Serbia. What do Dutch investors think of the business climate in Serbia? What do potential Dutch investors see as Serbia’s comparative advantages relative to other regional countries and what are the country’s biggest weaknesses? - Dutch business people recognize the many advantages that Serbia has to offer. It has educated, competitively priced labour, an excellent geographic location and access to interesting markets via free trade agreements. Nevertheless, Serbia is not the easiest place to do business. Serbia’s future success in attracting foreign investments will depend largely on its ability to credibly and sustainably improve its business climate. That means cutting red tape and creating a level playing field. I would encourage the Serbian authorities to use the EU integration process to help push through much needed reforms, as this will eventually benefit all parties concerned. • Agriculture is one of the key segments of the cooperation between the two countries. What do you think of the work done by the Dutch–Serbian Working Group for Agricultural Cooperation? What are the most important projects in which the Working Group has been involved? - The work of the Dutch-Serbian working group for Agricultural Cooperation is extremely valuable, and I am very proud of the progress made since the group was established in 2010. One of the objectives of the working group is to help Serbia prepare for future EU membership and, from what I have seen, the efforts of the group are really paying off. The involvement of Dutch

accession experts ensures that Serbia can also benefit from lessons learned in countries in previous enlargement rounds. Many of these countries are in Serbia’s immediate vicinity and were confronted with similar challenges that Serbia is facing today in the process of harmonizing agricultural policies. The Netherlands has been chosen as partner country of the Novi Sad Agricultural fair in 2014, which is the regional benchmark event for the agricultural industry. Naturally, we are delighted to

the governments of the Netherlands and Denmark, is of great importance to Serbia: reference laboratories are crucial when it comes to enhancing food safety. Let’s take the example of milk testing, since you referred to this issue in your question. Our twinning project aims to help improve the quality of milk. Thus, it is relevant for a wide range of stakeholders, from consumers to processors and producers and even the animal husbandry sector. This twinning project will also provide useful input once the accession negotiations have started. One of the negotiating chapters, chapter 12, is dedicated to food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy. This chapter accounts for around 40% of the entire acquis communautaire. The knowledge and experience that Serbia has gained as a result of this twinning, will certainly prove beneficial in the negotiations later on. • Do you think that the level of Serbia’s competitiveness in the region will increase if the agreement with Priština is successfully implemented and of Serbia is given a date for the beginning of accession negotiations? - The Netherlands is a staunch supporter of Serbia’s EU perspective. Clearly,

Serbia is not the easiest place to do business. Serbia’s future success in attracting foreign investments will depend largely on its ability to credibly and sustainably improve its business climate. That means cutting red tape and creating a level playing field have been awarded this honour, and you can be sure that we will use this event to further boost our bilateral relations in the agricultural field. • The EU twinning project – “Capacity Building within the National Reference Laboratories Directorate” – is being implemented with the support of the Netherlands Embassy. How important is this project for Serbia, especially in the light of recent affair regarding aflatoxins being found in milk? - This project, financed and administered by the EU Delegation and supported by

receiving a date for the start of the accession negotiations would represent a significant milestone in this process. I expect that the reform process that has already started will accelerate as a result of this. This will help build trust and convince potential investors that Serbia is indeed on the right track. Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Reforms need to be implemented and enforced in order to generate that trust. If Serbia manages to do its part, I have no doubt that investors will have no difficulties in identifying the many opportunities in this market. ■

Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

interview

Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce

Partner Deserving of Special Respect The Netherlands is quite active on our market and has been significantly supporting and contributing to our economic development. The government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands encourages and stimulates Dutch businesses to come to the Serbian market not only as exporters but also as investors

Photo: Zoran Boldorac

“Out of 164 countries to which Serbia exported in 2012, the Kingdom of the Netherlands took 20th place, and out of 204 countries from which Serbia imported in the same year, the Netherlands was ranked 21st.” • What are the most important treaties that the two countries have concluded? - In late 2006, the Dutch Trade Council declared the Western Balkans as an area of special economic interest for the Netherlands. In the framework of the activities for promoting the Western Balkans as an area of special interest, in April 2007, a pilot project was launched in Serbia – the formation of the DutchSerbian Business Council which is also supported by the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

“T

he Netherlands is an economic partner deserving of special respect,” says Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Mihailo Vesović at the beginning of this interview. “Thanks to its specific geopolitical position, inventiveness, the persistence and diligence of its population, the Netherlands has become one of the leading economic forces in the world. “All of this country’s economic segments (agriculture, industry, service sector) are considered developed. The country has been also accomplishing great export results. Dutch companies have been implementing the latest technology in production and, most importantly, want to share their experiences and know-how with other businesses. In that context, the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has been implementing and supporting many development assistance programmes for emerging countries, including ours.

Between 2005 and 2011, the Netherlands took the 6th place (after Austria, Norway, Greece, Germany and Italy) in terms of the total net amount of FDI it made in Serbia

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

and the formation of the Dutch-Serbian Business Council, a comprehensive and concrete economic platform for boosting cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands was constituted. Serbia and the Netherlands have concluded 20 different treaties, agreements and memoranda of understanding, and I will mention only a few that are of exceptional importance for the economies of both countries. They are: the Agreement on Protection of Investments, Double Taxation Agreement (regulating income and property tax), Agreement on Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments and Memorandum of Understanding on the G2G, PSO-M and MEC cooperation programmes. All of these agreements are cornerstones of the institutional cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands, and their existence serves as a proof to companies that our relations are legally regulated. I would like to single out the agreements on promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, which encourage foreign companies to choose Serbia as a safe investment destination where commercial risks have been alleviated as much as possible. • In which economy segments do the two countries cooperate the most, and in what segments could they cooperate even more?

- In 2012, Serbia mostly exported to the Netherlands transport vehicles and equipment, fruits and vegetables, clothing, furniture and furniture parts, oil seed and oleaginous fruits. Apart from these products, there is a lot of interest and a great potential on the Serbian side in terms of exporting transport vessels (mostly ships), and this is where the Dutch companies have invested the largest amounts of money. There are many initiatives, on both the Dutch and the Serbian sides, for further development of joint investments in the following economy segments: the food industry, chemical industry (pharmaceutical industry, wood processing industry and production of plastic materials), building materials production, furniture production, machine and metal processing industry, transport and logistics (transport of goods and passengers), textile industry and business services industry (consulting). • Even so, being a highly developed country, Dutch investments in Serbia are not that big. Why is that so? - The Netherlands is quite active on our market and has been significantly contributing to and supporting our economic development. The government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands encourages and stimulates Dutch businesses to come to the Serbian market not only as exporters but also as investors. Between 2005 and 2011, the Netherlands took 6th place (after Austria, Norway, Greece, Germany and Italy) in terms of the total net amount of FDI made in Serbia, making this country a significant investment partner. In 2012, this investment trend continued and the country made €1.2 million worth of investments. • Do you think that Serbia's progress on its path to EU membership will improve its business collaboration with the Netherlands? - As an EU member, the Netherlands accepted the terms of the Treaty on Establishing the European Community. Article 2 of the Treaty says that the Community shall promote the harmonious, balanced and sustainable development

of economic activities, sustainable and non-inflationary growth, a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, a high level of employment and social protection, the raising of the standard of living and quality of life, and economic and social cohesion and solidarity among member states. Serbia’s progress in the European integration process would provide all EU members with the opportunity to improve their economic cooperation with Serbia through creating a common legal framework and a common market for all products and services with which Serbia can compete on the EU market, including the Dutch market.

Serbia and the Netherlands have concluded 20 different treaties, agreements and memoranda of understanding which are of exceptional importance for the economies of both countries • The two countries collaborate mostly in agriculture. What are the most important agricultural cooperation projects for Serbia? - Agriculture holds a special place in Serbian economic development. Its position is quite specific since agriculture is not only the cornerstone of the rural development but also has a great economic, social and environmental importance. The fact that the EU has entered its final stages of shaping the common market, which started almost five decades ago, is very important for Serbia. The common market projects consist of

a complex group of institutional, economic, technological and organizational measures. What is especially important for Serbia is the fact that the EU is home to close to 500 million consumers which spend almost a quarter of their income on food. Serbia’s road toward EU membership is not only a political issue, but an existential one too. In order to facilitate and expedite our progress on this road, we need to implement three key projects. Firstly, there is a project that deals with treating abattoir waste and which tackles the issues that are important to abattoirs and the meat processing industry in Serbia. We should not forget the environmental impact and environmental protection in this matter, as well as the project’s economic significance. Apart from that, we aim to position Serbian companies on the international market in accordance with the international standards in this segment. Secondly, there is a project on improving the genetic status in cattle and pigs (artificial reproduction and fertilization) and, thirdly, the project on implementation of food safety systems and Global GAP throughout the food industry in small and medium enterprises. • Dutch companies have mostly invested in the Serbian shipbuilding industry, consulting segment, food industry and IT. Which of these do you consider the most important? - FDIs, as a form of international capital flow, are also considered a contribution to the more efficient economic operations, international product launch, raising the living standard in society and other. There are over 20 companies in Serbia that have Dutch companies as co-owners. So far, the Dutch companies have been mostly investing in shipbuilding, consulting services, food industry and IT. The importance of these investments lies in the fact that they are not only about transferring capital from one country to another, but that they are actually investment packages that contain new technology, managerial know-how, the knowledge on how to conquer new markets and many other benefits. ■

Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

Dutch monarchy

The Orange Dynasty The Dutch royal family today is much larger than it has ever been. On April 30, 2013, Willem-Alexander became the first King of the Netherlands after 123 years of female rulers

King WillemAlexander and Queen Maxima

own government forced his abdication. William III's reign (1849-1890) was a continuous saga of power struggles between the monarch and the parliamentary government (which he forced out a couple of times), plus major interna-

The monarchy of the Netherlands was established in 1815 as a reaction to the decline and subsequent fall of the Dutch Republic tional crises due to the same stubbornness (including the Luxembourg Crisis). As a result, the Dutch government used the succession of William III by a female Source: RVD

he monarchy of the Netherlands was established in 1815 as a reaction to the decline and subsequent fall of the Dutch Republic. It was observed at the time that a large part of the decline of the republic was due to a lack of a strong, central government in the face of strong, centrally-led, competitor nations such as Great Britain and the France. After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1813 and the resurrection of the Netherlands, it was decided to reform a republic in the Kingdom of the Netherlands with a monarchy rather than the old stadtholder system. The original monarchy was absolute in nature, with the States-General serving as more of an advisory board without the power to do much against the king. The direct political power and influence of the king continued until 1890, although it slowly declined in the meantime. Both William I (1815-1840) and William II (1849-1849) proved quite conservative rulers (although William II was less inclined to interfere with policy than his father was). William I resisted major reforms until eventually conflict with the States-General and his

The Dutch Royal Family

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

regent as an opportunity to make a power play and establish governmental authority over royal authority. The 58-year reign of Queen Wilhelmina was dominated by two World Wars. She married a German prince, Heinrich von Mecklenburg-Schwerin, who unfortunately was not happy with his unrewarding role of husband-to-thequeen. Wilhelmina's strong personality and unrelenting passion to fulfil her inherited task overpowered many men in positions of authority, including ministers, prime ministers and her own husband. She is mostly remembered for her role during World War II. The initial dis-

appointment of many Dutch people because of her quick withdrawal to London faded (though it was never forgotten and by some was never forgiven) when she proved to be of great moral support to the people and the resistance in her occupied country. Hendrik and Wilhelmina had one daughter, Juliana, who came to the throne in 1948. They lived in the Hague and in Paleis 't Loo in Apeldoorn. She died in 1962. For her early reign and character, the letters of Queen Victoria give a good perspective. Juliana reigned from 1948 until 1980, and whereas Wilhelmina reigned like a general, Juliana expressed a more motherly character. One of her first official acts was to sign the treaty of independence of the Dutch colony Indonesia. She became involved in two major crises: the Greet Hofmans affair and the Lockheed bribery scandals, both of which directly threatened the credibility of the throne. She married a German of noble descent, Prince Bernard von Lippe-Biesterfeld. Together they had four daughters, Beatrix, Irene, Margriet and Christina. After their return from Ottawa, Canada in 1945 (where Margriet was born), they lived in the Soestdijk Palace in Soestdijk, about 20 km northeast of Utrecht. Beatrix reigned from 1980 to 2013. Following her abdication on April 30, 2013, she was once again styled Princess Beatrix. Beatrix is the eldest daughter of Queen Juliana and Germanborn Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. In 1948, she became heiress presumptive to the throne of the Netherlands. When her mother abdicated on April 30, 1980, Beatrix succeeded her as

Princess Beatrix of Netherlands and her son, Dutch King Willem-Alexander

queen. In 1966, Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg, a German diplomat, with whom she had three children: WillemAlexander, King of the Netherlands (1967), Prince Friso (1968) and Prince Constantijn (1969). Prince Claus died in 2002. At the time of her abdication, Queen Beatrix was the oldest reigning monarch of the Netherlands.

Traditionally, Dutch monarchs have always been members of the Dutch Reformed Church although this was never constitutionally required

the Royal Palace in Amsterdam

On January 28, 2013, Beatrix announced that she would abdicate on April 30 on Koninginnedag (Queen's Day) in favour of her eldest son WillemAlexander, the heir apparent to the throne. He is the first king of the Netherlands in 123 years. The Dutch royal family today is much larger than it has ever been. Former Queen Beatrix and her husband, the late prince Claus, have three sons, Willem-Alexander (married to Princess Máxima), Friso (married to Princess Mabel) and Constantijn (married to Princess Laurentien). Her sister Margriet and her spouse Pieter van Vollenhoven have four sons: Maurits, Bernhard, Pieter-Christiaan and Floris. Four of these seven princes as well as princess Margriet are all (potentially) legal heirs to

the throne, although the first right goes to the crown prince, and after him his daughters Catharina-Amalia, Alexia, Ariane, and then his brother Constantijn. Prince Friso lost his right to the throne because no approval was asked for his marriage to Mabel Wisse Smit to the States-General. The two other sisters of Beatrix, Irene and Christina, have lost their rights to the throne because their marriages were not approved by the States-General. They both married Roman Catholics and Irene herself converted to Roman Catholicism, which at that time (the 1960s) was still politically problematic for an heir to the throne. An additional complication which the government wanted to avoid was that Irene's husband, Prince Carlos-Hugo of Bourbon-Parma (whom she later divorced), was a member of a deposed Italian dynasty who claimed rights to the Spanish throne. Traditionally, Dutch monarchs have always been members of the Dutch Reformed Church although this was never constitutionally required. This tradition is embedded in the history of the Netherlands. The current monarch is King Willem-Alexander (born 1967), who has been on the throne since April 30, 2013. He studied history at the University of Leiden and became actively involved in water management. His wife is Queen Máxima (née Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti), an economics major, whose father was a minister of agriculture in the dictatorial regime under General Videla in Argentina. Because of that, their relationship was accompanied by fierce public debate and only officially sanctioned after quiet diplomacy, resulting in Máxima's father agreeing not to be present on their wedding day (February 2, 2002). Former minister Max van der Stoel and Prime Minister Wim Kok seem to have played a crucial role in this process. On December 7, 2003, Princess Máxima gave birth to a daughter: Princess Catharina-Amalia. On June 26, 2005, another daughter was born: Princess Alexia. On April 10, 2007 a third daughter was born, Princess Ariane. They are first, second and third in line to the Dutch throne. ■

Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

Cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands

Great Assistance in Agriculture and Security

The governments of the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding in August 2007 as a formal and legal framework for raising the economic relations between Serbia and the Netherlands to the highest possible level. Following the signing of the Memorandum and formation of the Dutch-Serbian Business Council, a comprehensive and concrete economic platform for boosting the cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands was constituted

he Kingdom of the Netherlands belongs to a group of mediumimportant countries in terms of the volume of trade with Serbia. Out of 164 countries to which Serbia exported in 2012, the Kingdom of the Netherlands took the 20th place, and out of 204 countries from which Serbia imported in the same year, the Netherlands was ranked 21st. The data shows that the value of Serbian export to the Netherlands, in the period from 2005 to 2012, went up by 1.76 times, while imports increased by 1.77 times.

In 2012, Serbia’s exports to the Netherlands went up while its imports dropped relative to 2011. In the same period, the Serbian deficit in trad-

The Dutch-Serbian Agricultural Cooperation Task Force is of key importance for development of agri-sector in Serbia

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

ing with the Netherlands declined by 18.1%. The export to import ratio was the highest in 2009, while in 2010 and 2011, this ratio dropped. The export to

import ratio in 2012 stood at 57.57%. According to the National Bank of Serbia’s FDI data, in the period from 2000 to 2011, the Netherlands took second place in terms of cash investments which amounted to €240.84 million. It is worth mentioning that this information pertains to the country that made the payment rather than the country that made an investment (in goods or equipment), so we can conclude that Dutch investments are much higher. For instance, one of the biggest Belgian investments in Serbia – the acquisition of the Apatin Brewery – has been carried out via the Dutch branch office of Interbrew and, as such, is considered a Dutch investment. According to the National Bank of Serbia, from January to November 2012, Dutch FDIs in Serbia stood at €4.76 million. There are around 20 companies in Serbia that are co-owned by Dutch companies. These companies have a total of 750 employees. So far, the Dutch companies have been mostly investing in shipbuilding, consulting, food industry and IT. The governments of the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding in August 2007 as a formal and legal framework for raising the economic relations between Serbia and the Netherlands to the highest possible level. Following the signing of the Memorandum and formation of the Dutch-Serbian Business Council, a comprehensive and concrete economic platform for boosting the cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands was constituted. Serbia and the Netherlands have concluded 20 different treaties, agreements and memoranda of understading

including the Agreement on Protection of Investments, Double Taxation Agreement (regulating income and property tax), Agreement on Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments and Memorandum of Understanding on the G2G, PSOM and MEC cooperation programmes. In August 2012, Serbian Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply Minister Goran Knežević and an assistant to the Dutch Agriculture Minister Roald Lapperre agreed on the implementation of several joint agricultural projects. At the third meeting of the Dutch-Serbian Agricultural Cooperation Task Force, the two sides reviewed the current and future joint projects which are important for the agricultural sector, according to a press release. One of the topics discussed was Serbia’s efforts on becoming an EU member and the implications of the EU integration on the agricultural sector. A joint study was written on these subjects. The two sides have also agreed for the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture to put together a task force that

Barentz d.o.o. is active in distribution of raw materials for processing industry, in design, source, manufacture and distribute ingredients and raw materials for food, chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and animal nutrition applications. As a part of Barentz family of companies, it was founded in Serbia at February 2009, with headquarters in Belgrade.

Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića 104 11070 New Belgrade, Serbia Tel. +381 (0) 11 260 90 72 +381 (0) 11 312 07 97 Fax: +381 (0) 11 312 10 80 info.desk@barentz.rs

would support the Netherlands as a partner for the 2014 Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad. This task force will be made

Many common agricultural projects will have been implemented with the help of the Dutch-Serbian Agricultural Cooperation Task Force up of representatives of the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture and representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Economic

Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, as well as the Dutch Embassy in Serbia and representatives of the Novi Sad Fair. Many common agricultural projects will have been implemented with the help of the Dutch-Serbian Agricultural Cooperation Task Force. A website (www.agribusiness-nlsrb.com) which is of great use to both ministries as well as the site’s visitors is also very important for the collaboration between the two countries. The site contains information on the upcoming activities and a database of projects that have been implemented from 2000 onwards. The site’s front page best explains why this website is so important: “In recent years, Serbia and the Netherlands have established closer agricultural ties. Since the portfolio of mutual cooperation grew, the two countries re-established annual meetings in the form of the High Level Working Group (HLWG). At these meetings, ministry officials are able to discuss and streamline future projects and activities. ⇢

sourucetion sol

from to

Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

Export to import ratio, in %

Trade exchange between Serbia and the Netherlands, in million USD

400

67.22 57.95

57.57

55.64

200

61.23

58.54 51.96

50.91 0

20 -200 2005

0 2005

2006

2007

2008 2009 2010 2011

Numerous projects in the different fields of agriculture have been implemented so far. Also, quite a few projects are underway. These projects are predominantly in the field of capacity building with an emphasis on training of veterinary and phytosanitary staff, but also numerous projects in the business sector were supported over the last decade. All this contributed to an increase of the bilateral agricultural trade, and this trend will most probably continue into the future.” The Netherlands has been of great help to Serbia during the recent dairy crisis caused by an elevated level of aflatoxins in milk with the milk samples from Serbia being analyzed in a Dutch laboratory. With the goal of raising food quality and safety in Serbia, the Netherlands has provided assistance in the implementation of the EU twinning project called ‘Capacity Building within the National Reference Laboratories Directorate’. Serbia has received a total of €1.5 million of the EU funds for the project with Den-

2006 2007 2008

Export in USD

2012

mark and the Netherlands providing the most significant help. In addition to the mentioned amount, the EU will donate to Serbia another €5 million for purchasing laboratory equipment. In April this year, the two countries signed a plan on bilateral military cooperation for 2013. Despite insufficient budget, the Netherlands is still keen on actively developing the collaboration with Serbia – it was said at a meeting.

In April this year, Serbia and the Netherlands signed a plan on bilateral military cooperation for 2013 in Belgrade The Serbian Ministry of Defence said that the plan was signed in Belgrade and that bilateral cooperation would be implemented through providing assistance to the NCO corps, capacity building in civilian-military relations, applying humanitarian law in armed conflicts and exchanging gender

Leading SITC segments in exporting to the Netherlands

2009

2010 2011 2012

Import in USD

Balance in USD

equality experiences. The Plan on Bilateral Military Cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands for the year 2013 was signed by the Head of the Office for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General Ljubomir Nikolic and the Netherlands Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Robbert Verbrugh. On this occasion, Nikolic said that “defence cooperation with the Netherlands has been satisfactory” and that “the percent of implemented activities was good”. He thanked the Dutch Defence Attaché for their assistance in organizing courses on application of humanitarian law in armed conflicts and civilian-military relations, as well as on “further support in developing the NCO project”. Verbrugh said that defence cooperation between the two countries was good and added that “the Netherlands plans to continue to actively develop the collaboration with Serbia despite insufficient budget funds,” a press release reads. ■

Leading SITC segments in importing from the Netherlands

Other transport vehicles and equipment

6% 35%

10% 11% 31%

Road vehicles Plastic materials in their primary form

Furniture and furniture parts Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits Solid vegetable fats and oils

60% 4% 7%

12%

Miscellaneous foods Other transport vehicles and equipment

Non-ferrous metals

Dyeing and tanning products

Other

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

interview Roberto Zanetti, Director Witteveen+Bos Belgrade

An Example of Excellence The present assignment is the preparation of the designs and contract documentation for river training works and dredging on selected locations along the Danube river. Due to the active and enthusiastic involvement of the beneficiary (Plovput), the project is considered by the EU an example of how environment and river training works can be completed successfully

itteveen+Bos have been held up on more than one occasion as examples and role models in project implementation. Working on an area as complex and, at the same time, important as the inland waterways in Serbia, Witteveen+Bos Director Roberto Zanetti talks about some of the progress they have been making. • What are your main activities regarding the Danube Strategy? - In 2003 Witteveen+Bos started with the EU Reconstruction assignment for the preparation of the Master Plan for the Serbian Inland Waterways Transport system, consisting of the rivers Danube, Tisa, Sava and the DTD Hydrosystem in Vojvodina. As project manager, I have led a team of more than 20 engineers and technicians to complete this project. The project was an initiative of the Serbian government and the EU to boost inland waterway transport sector in Serbia that had suffered substantially due to the economic sanctions and the 1999 NATO bombings. • What other assignments do you have? - The present assignment is the preparation of the designs and contract documentation for river training works and dredging on selected locations

along the Danube river. Due to the active and enthusiastic involvement of the beneficiary (Plovput), the project is considered by the EU an example of how environment and river training works can be completed successfully. The morphological modelling has been very challenging, but with the support of all stakeholders, EU, the NGOs and the active role of Plovput, the project nears completion. It has already been considered in Europe as an example of how to design projects, monitor the works and the environment during and after project execution.. In addition we have completed the World Bank funded project regarding the copper mine tailings in Bor.

clude the UXO clearance on the Danube, the removal of the in 1945 vessels that were sunk by the German army close to Prahovo to prevent the Red Army from capturing them, the rehabilitation of the navigation locks at the hydro power plants in Kladovo (Djerdap I) and in Prahovo (Djerdap II), the implementation of a new bridge in Novi Sad to replace the bombed Zezelj bridge, the implementation of the River Information Services, execution of a national transport plan for Serbia for all modes of transport and the improvement of the Danube fairway from Apatin to Belgrade for Plovput. All these projects have been brought to contract documentation and some have already been implemented.

In 2003 Witteveen+Bos started with the EU Reconstruction assignment for the preparation of the Master Plan for the Serbian Inland Waterways Transport system, consisting of the rivers Danube, Tisa, Sava and the DTD Hydrosystem in Vojvodina

• Who are your partners on these projects? - The Serbian partner for the projects executed by Witteveen+Bos has been executed with Energoprojekt-Hidroinzenjering. They have been crucial in the successful completion of the projects carried out for the Serbian inland waterways. For certain specific expertise use was made of the company DHI in Denmark. Working in Serbia is very challenging. Establishing personal relationships with project staff, beneficiaries and clients are crucial to a successful completion of projects. ■

• Which are the most important parts of the Master Plan for the development of Inland Waterway Transport? - These are basically the six recommendations made that have been accepted and supported by the Serbian government and the EU in Brussels. These in-

Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

Control Union World Group

Guarantee of Quality Control Union World Group is a global network founded in Rotterdam which has branch offices in over 60 countries through which it conducts its worldwide business

Accreditation Body of Serbia. CUWG is accredited to perform control and certification, which are of interest to Serbian manufacturers, by the following bodies: • The Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) for certification of organic production in non-EC countries, GlobalGAP (F&V, IFA and F&O), GGL, textile industry control, PEFC (COC) and BRC according to EN45011:1998 and HACCP according to EN45012. RvA is a member of EA (the European Accreditation) and IAF (the

ontrol Union is active all over the world, and the company specializes in product control and certification, particularly in the segment of organic food production and processing. The company’s services include the inspection of both production and the product in making. Control Union Danube d.o.o. was founded in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2007. Apart from the services offered by CUWG (Control Union World Group), Control Union Danube d.o.o. also provides certification of organic food production and processes and quality and special property control of agricultural and food products with geographical indications and designations of origin, all in accordance with Serbian regulations. Control Union World Group is a global network founded in Rotterdam which has branch offices in over 60 countries through which it conducts its worldwide business. Control Union Certifications, member of CUWG, with HQ in Zwolle, the Netherlands, has been accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA). The relevant state authorities have authorized Control Union Danube d.o.o. to conduct control and certification in accordance with the SRPS EN 45011:1998 and SRPS ISO/IEC Instructions 65:1999 standards. Control Union Danube d.o.o. is certified by the

Control Union Certifications is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA)

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

International Accreditation Forum); • The US Department of Agriculture, for organic products and food obtained

from processing agricultural produce; • The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, for the Jidoriniku compliant production, agricultural produce and food obtained from processing agricultural produce; • FoodPlus for Globalgap certification programme; • The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for managing naturally grown forests, forest plantations, supervision chain, group certification, and allocation of FSC logo; • The Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) for inspection of organic production in the Netherlands based on the ISO/IEC 17020:1998 standard (type A); • Various organizations which control and label organic produce; • The Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) for GMP certification programme (The Dutch Committee on Animal Feed). ■

Contact: Control Union Danube doo, Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 21, Novi Beograd, +381 11 2139 541 serbiaoffice@controlunion.com

corporate

Freeland Group

Development and Construction by Freeland Group After the successful development and sale of more than 150 apartments in four projects, Freeland Mijanovic has established a solid and reliable reputation in the local residential market

ince 2008, Freeland Group (Rotterdam, the Netherlands) and Mijanovic Group (Novi Sad, Serbia) have joined forces to develop and construct apartments primarily in Novi Sad. These projects have been and are still being realised through the joint venture organisation, Freeland Mijanovic, typically within 18 months from obtaining the building permit until the sale of all apartments. After the successful development and sale of more than 150 apartments in four projects, Freeland Mijanovic has established a solid and reliable reputation in the local residential market. For the financing of the projects, no bank loans are used. Instead, Freeland offers its financial participation in each of these projects to Dutch investors with an average return of 16% to 18% (annualised). ■ For more or detailed information please contact:

corporate

Tebodin

Meeting Market Needs

The multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm is present in 23 countries with 50 offices and employs over 4,300 people

ince its establishment 68 years ago in the Netherlands, Tebodin has become one of the leading global players in the consulting and engineering market. Tebodin offers a truly global service by partnering with international and local clients to improve their competitive position. The multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm is present in 23 countries with 50 offices and employs over 4,300 people.

Full range of services

Tebodin d.o.o., established in 2006 and located in Belgrade, serves clients in industry, health & nutrition, oil & gas and property. Tebodin offers services from project inception through completion: consultancy, project management, construction supervision, permitting as well as basic and detail engineering.

Tebodin d.o.o., established in 2006 and located in Belgrade, serves clients in industry, health & nutrition, oil & gas and property Going Green

Sustainability is at the core of all of our activities. Development of capabilities to cater to the changing regulatory environment with respect to energy efficiency and energy passports has been supplemented by our focus on green building certification – LEED and BREEAM.

Quality

Tebodin commits to deliver top-quality services that can meet and even exceed the requirements and expectations of clients. The Serbian office has followed ISO 9001’s guidance and tools to ensure that its services consistently meet clients’ requirements.

Safety First

In Serbia Freeland Mijanović Mr Aleksander Mijanović Vojvode Mišića br. 2 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia T + 381(0)21532532 or +381(0)63532232 E freelandoffice@gmail.com www.freeland.rs

In the Netherlands Freeland Corporate Advisors Mr Wilbert van Twuijver Weena 210-212 3012 NJ Rotterdam, the Netherlands T + 31102013600 or +31628940151 E wilbert.van.twuijver@freelandgroep.nl www.freelandgroep.nl

In today’s business environment, workplace safety is one of the top priorities of both industry and business leaders. Being ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System) certified, Tebodin clearly demonstrates how serious it is about controlling its environmental impact and ensuring safety at the workplace via preventive mechanisms rather than corrective ones. ■ Contact: Tebodin d.o.o. Bul. Zorana Djindjica 73 • 11070 Belgrade • Serbia tel +381 11 313 24 65 • fax +381 11 313 24 22 www.tebodin.com • tebodin@tebodin.rs

Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

Culture

Rich Culture - Long Tradition

Although Netherlands is a small country, with artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals or Van Gogh, its culture makes it one of the greatest in Europe

utch culture, or the culture of the Netherlands, is diverse, reflecting regional differences as well as foreign influences, thanks to the merchant and exploring spirit of the Dutch and the influx of immigrants. The Netherlands and Dutch people have played an important role for centuries as a culturally liberal and tolerant centre, with the Dutch Golden Age regarded as its zenith. Dutch literature comprises all writings of literary merit written through the ages in the Dutch language, a language which currently has around 23 million native speakers. Dutch literature is not restricted to the Netherlands, Flanders (Belgium), Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles, as it has also been produced

in other (formerly) Dutch-speaking regions, such as French Flanders, South Africa and the former Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia). A sub-group is 'Dutch Indies literature', colonial and post-colonial Insulinde inspired literature, covering the Gold-

en Age up to the present day. Alternatively, Dutch literature was and is produced by people originally from abroad who came to live in Dutchspeaking regions, such as Anne Frank and Kader Abdolah. The first significant period of Dutch

The most famous Dutch painter was Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, but other painters such as Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals are famous all over the world as well

Rembrandt, The Night Watch, 1642, oil on canvas

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

architecture was during the Dutch Golden Age roughly beginning at the start of the 17th century. Due to the thriving economy, cities expanded greatly. New town halls and storehouses were built. Merchants who had made a fortune ordered new houses built along any of the many new canals that were dug out around various cities and towns (for defense and transport purposes), houses with ornamented facades that befitted their new status. In the countryside, new country houses were built, though not in the same numbers. Some well known architects of the period were Jacob van Campen (1595–1657), Lieven de Key (c. 1560–1627) and Hendrik de Keyser (1565–1621). At the end of the 19th century there was a remarkable neo-gothic stream or Gothic Revival both in church and in public architecture, notably by the Roman Catholic Pierre Cuypers, who was inspired by the Frenchman Viollet le Duc. The Amsterdam Rijksmuseum (1876–1885) and Amsterdam Centraal Station (1881–1889) belong to his main buildings. During the 20th century, Dutch architects played a leading role in the development of modern architecture. Out of the early 20th century rationalist architecture of Berlage, architect of the Beurs van Berlage, three separate groups developed during the 1920s, each with its own view on which direction modern architecture should take. Expressionist architects like M. de Klerk and P.J. Kramer in Amsterdam (See Amsterdam School). Functionalist architects (Nieuwe Zakelijkheid or Nieuwe Bou-

Amsterdam Rijksmuseum

wen) like Mart Stam, L.C. van der Vlugt, Willem Marinus Dudok and Johannes Duiker had good ties with the international modernist group CIAM. A third

Dutch literature has also been produced in other (formerly) Dutch-speaking regions, such as French Flanders, South Africa and the former Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia)

Peter Paul Rubens

group came out of the De Stijl movement, among them J.J.P Oud and Gerrit Rietveld. Both architects later built in a functionalist style. During the '50s and '60s a new generation of architects, such as Aldo van Eyck, J.B. Bakema and Herman Hertzberger, known as the ‘Forum generation’ (named after a magazine called Forum), formed a connection with international groups like Team 10.

From the '80s to the present, Rem Koolhaas and his Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) became one of the leading world architects. With him, a new generation of Dutch architects working in a modernist tradition was formed. In the late 16th century, many painters from Flanders fled to the northern Netherlands for religious reasons and because the Netherlands was growing economically. Both regions had a golden age of painting in this period. The most famous Dutch painter was Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, but other painters such as Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals are famous all over the world as well. Some more great Dutch painters of the 17th century are: Hendrick Avercamp, Fer- ⇢ Johannes Vermeer: The Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1665.

Netherlands | World's Markets and Opportunities

painting. The 20th century also produced some of the members of the COBRA movement, including Karel Appel and Corneille. The Netherlands has multiple musical traditions ranging from folk and dance to classical music and ballet. In the 21st century, people with an African or Middle Eastern background have also had a profound effect, most notably in hip-hop and rap. Much more so than most non-English speaking European countries, the Netherlands has remained closely in tune with American and British dinand Bol, Aelbert Cuyp, Gerard Dou, Carel Fabritius, Govert Flinck, Pieter de Hooch, Jan Lievens, Nicolaes Maes, Adriaen van Ostade, Jacob Isaacksz van Ruisdael, Peter Paul Rubens, Pieter Jansz Saenredam, Jan Steen, and Anthony van Dyck. The Dutch artists of the 18th century are less well-known. The most important paintings were the land and seascapes (or marines). Only at the end of the 19th century did one very important painter, Vincent Van Gogh, and some other internationally well-acclaimed artists appear, like the realists Jozef Israëls, Anton Mauve and the more impressionist George Hendrik Breitner living in the Netherlands, and the romanticist Lawrence Alma-Tadema, living in England. In the 20th century, the Netherlands produced many fine painters and artists, including Piet Mondriaan, a noted contributor to the De Stijl art movement, who was also among the vanguard of non-representational

most active and well-known music scenes. Curaçao is known for a kind of music called tumba, which is named after the conga drums that accompany it. The Dutch also have their own distinct version of cabaret, with overarching themes and aimed at provoking thought, and sometimes sentiment, as well as laughs. This is exemplified in performers such as Wim Kan and Toon Hermans in the 60's and 70's and later diversified into a rich culture with artists such as Youp van 't Hek, Freek de Jonge, Herman van

Vincent van Gogh

Amsterdams Kleinkunst Festival is an annual cabaret celebration held in April at the DeLaMar Theater in Amsterdam

The Netherlands has multiple musical traditions ranging from folk and dance to classical music and ballet

Rem Koolhaas: CCTV Headquarters, Beijing

World's Markets and Opportunities | Netherlands

trends ever since the 50's. In the 21st century, the Netherlands has also become an international center for the electronic music scene, particularly Trance. Dutch DJs consistently rank among the top rated DJs in the world, and have a huge following both domestically and internationally. Aruba and the five main islands of the Dutch Antilles are part of the Lesser Antilles island chain. Their music is a mixture of native, African and Dutch elements, and is closely connected with trends from neighboring islands like Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago and Guadeloupe, as well as the former mainland Dutch possession of Suriname, which has exported kaseko music to great success on the islands. Curaçao and Bonaire likely have the

Veen, Theo Maassen, Brigitte Kaandorp, Jochem Meijer, Hans Teeuwen and Herman Finkers. Some Dutch films have received international distribution and recognition, such as Turkish Delight ("Turks Fruit," 1973), Soldier of Orange ("Soldaat van Oranje," 1975), Spetters (1980) and The Fourth Man ("De Vierde Man," 1983) by director Paul Verhoeven. Verhoeven later went on to direct such Hollywood hits as RoboCop and Basic Instinct. Other famous Dutch film directors are Dick Maas (De Lift), Fons Rademakers (The Assault), Jan de Bont (Speed), documentary maker Bert Haanstra and Joris Ivens. Film director Theo van Gogh achieved international notoriety in 2004 when he was murdered in the streets of Amsterdam. Internationally famous Dutch film actors include Jeroen Krabbé, Rutger Hauer, Derek de Lint, Sylvia Kristel, Famke Janssen, and Carice van Houten. ■

company register BARENTZ d.o.o. Gordan Dangubić, Director Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića 104 11070 Novi Beograd Tel: +381 11 260 90 72 312 07 97 Fax: +381 11 312 10 80 info.desk@barentz.rs www.barentz.com BEGEJ HOLDING Nebojsa Rako, Director Temišvarski drum bb, 23000 Zrenjanin Tel: +381 23 519700 Fax: +381 23 546511 info@begej.rs www.begej.rs CONTROL UNION DANUBE d.o.o. Regina Vasiljević, Director Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 21/6 11070 Beograd Tel: +381 11 2139-541 Fax: +381 11 3149-918 rvasiljevic@controlunion.rs www.controlunion.com CRYO-SAVE Spasoje Sredanović direktor, Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 2a Tel: 011/ 201-89-55 www.cryo-save.com Serbia-info@cryo-save.com D Truck Puls Zoran Angelus Kraljice Marije 67 11000 Beograd Tel: +381 11 3086384 Fax: +381 11 3837462 office@dtruckpuls.com www.dtruckpuls.com Freeland Mijanović d.o.o Aleksander Mijanović, Director Vojvode Mišića br. 2 21000 Novi Sad Tel: + 381 21 532532, Mob:+381 63 532232 freelandoffice@gmail.com www.freeland.rs FREELAND Group P.O. Box 1370, NL-3000 BJ Rotterdam NETHERLANDS Tel: +31 0 70 349 05 78 Fax: +31 0 70 349 05 90 info@freelandgroep.nl www.freelandgroep.nl GREEN BUILDING d.o.o. /Zastupnik za Remeha/ Goran Jevtić, Director Temerinska 57 21000 Novi Sad Tel: +381 21 477 0 888 info@greenbuilding.rs www.greenbuilding.rs Hinttech Dejan Curcic,

Managing Director Narodnog Fronta 21, 21000 Novi Sad Tel/Fax.: +381 21 2301548 Tel/Fax.: +381 21 239 2826 serbia@hinttech.com www.hinttech.com HUNTER DOUGLAS EUROPE B.V. OGRANAK BEOGRAD Milivoj Urukalo, General Manager Izletnicki put 4A, 11070 New Belgrade Tel: +381 11 2608538 m.urukalo@hunterdouglas.co.rs Levi 9 Global Sourcing Balkan d.o.o. Vladimir Gogoljev, Director Trifkovićev trg 6, 21000 Novi Sad Tel: +381 21 4721036 Fax: +381 21 4721037 serbia@levi9.com Orion telekom Slobodan Djinovic, Managing Director Gandijeva 76, 11070 New Belgrade Tel: +381 11 222 83 33 Fax: +381 11 222 83 33 info@oriontelekom.rs www.oriontelekom.rs PREDSTAVNIŠTVO PHILIPS ELECTRONICS REPRESENTATION OFFICES B.V. Vojislav Radovic, zastupnik Milentija Popovica 5b/III, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 11 6149270 info.serbia@philips.com www.philips.rs PRINCE SHIPYARD Predrag Petrovic, direktor Hadzi Milentijeva 25, 11000 Beograd PUM Netherlands senior experts Piet van Veen, Country coordinator P.O. Box 93078, 2509 AB The Hague NETHERLANDS Tel: +31 70 349 05 55 Fax: +31 70 349 05 90 info@pum.nl Borko Ziravac-Belgrade OFFICE Mob: +381 63 208 553 Tel: +381 11 362 04 77 borko.ziravac@pum.nl Aleksandar Ostojic- Novi Sad Mob: +381 666 248 Tel: +381 21 644 79 36 aleksandar.ostojic@pum.nl www.pum.nl Tebodin d.o.o.

Zoran Petrovic, Deputy Director Bulevar Zorana Djindjica 73/VI, 11070 New Belgrade Tel: +381 11 3132 465 Fax: +381 11 3132 422 zpetrovic@tebodin.co.rs Telelink Borko Jovanović, Director: Omladinskih brigada 88b, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 11 3779900 office@telelink.rs www.telelink.rs TMF Services d.o.o. Petrina Angelova Makakova, Director Bulevar Zorana Djindjica 64a, 11070 New Belgrade Tel: +381 11 2209 300 Fax: +381 11 2209 310 serbia@tmf-group.com UJEDINJENE SRPSKE PIVARE EUC Alexandros Danilidis, Managing Director Tenerinski put 50, 21000 Novi Sad Tel: +381 21 4878652 Omladinskih brigada 90b, 11070 Belgrade Tel: +381 11 3538600 info@heineken.rs www.heinekeninternational.com Vahali Service & Marine d.o.o. Vincentius Cornelis Bernardus Maria Bekker, Managing Director Savski nasip 7, 11070 Newv Belgrade Tel: +381 11 3188035 kristina@vahali.rs www.vahalishipyards.com PREDSTAVNIŠTVO VVMZ EAST EUROPEAN INVESTMENT SERVICE B.V. Miro Smolovic, Director Krunska 28, 11000 Belgrade Tel: +381 11 3343464 Fax: +381 11 3230419 smolovic@vvmz.com WAVIN BALKAN Igor Solojev, Direktor Justina Popovica 3, 11283 Belgrade Tel: +381 11 3143171 office@wavin.com www.wavin.rs WITTEVEEN BOS Roberto Zanetti, Director Van Twickelostraat 2 Postbus 233 7400 AE Deventer Tel: + 31 0 570 69 79 11 Fax: + 31 0 570 69 73 44 info@witteveenbos.nl www.witteveenbos.nl

STRENGTHEN SME’S, STIMULATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP About PUM PUM Netherlands senior experts (PUM) deploys experienced Dutch senior managers and experts to provide assistance to businesses in developing countries and emerging markets for over 35 years. Companies are assisted through short-term, solid consultancy projects of 2-3 weeks, whereby our senior experts provide hands-on advice to their fellow entrepreneurs. PUM currently has a database of 3200 experts, all with over 30 years of experience, in almost every field of expertise. Because of the high level of expertise of our experts concrete results are actually realised, such as: - increase in turnover & profit - reduction of production costs - better marketing prospects & increased quality levels, (ISO 9001, HACCP, etc.)

PUM in Serbia PUM has been active in Serbia since 2003, where PUM has assisted over 200 Serbian SME’s. In Serbia most support has been

Borko Ziravac Belgrade Phone: 06 32 08 553 Email: borko.ziravac@pum.nl

given to SME’s in the Metal Industries, Agriculture & Horticulture, and Food & Beverage Production As a result of PUM’s programme many Serbian SME’s have established business links with the Netherlands.

Partnering with PUM To further maximize our impact in Serbia, PUM hopes to build partnerships with organisations that have similar objectives, in order to contribute to increased entrepreneurship and sustainable employment. The wide range of expertise of PUMexperts means a partnership with PUM can be shaped specifically to the focus and demands of our partners. Worldwide PUM works with local and national governments, development organisations and other donors to strengthen local SME’s and stimulate private sector development.

Interested? More information is available at www.pum.nl, or contact our PUM representative in Serbia:

Aleksander Ostojic Novi Sad Phone : 021 64 47 936 Email : aleksander.ostojic@pum.nl

| World's eNetherlands n tre pre n e urs f o r eMarkets n tre prand e neOpportunities u rs

■ High efficiency ■ Ease of use ■ Intelligent technology ■ Eco-friendly ■ Top quality

Green Building d.o.o. Temerinska 57 21000 Novi Sad Srbija T +381(0)21 47 08 88 E info@greenbuilding.rs I www.remeha.rs

Remeha company, the Dutch manufacturer of high-efficiency gas condensing boilers, has already been present on the market for more than 75 years in the field of heating technology with stable and innovate development. Remeha gives you comfort exactly the way you want. Our efficiency enables quick response to market demands.