Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

THE Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO) Shenzhen was officially inaugurated in Futian District yesterday in a bid to help more Dutch enterprises thrive in this city full of economic vitality and innovation.

The establishment is a new addition to the NBSO network in China, with attention fixed at life sciences and health industry, water, mobility and logistics, as well as creative industries, in 2024.

“Shenzhen is an important city that offers great potential for Dutch companies. In fact, several Dutch companies are based here, like Philips, Aegon, Arcadis, and Randstad,” André Haspels, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to China, said in a speech at the opening ceremony.

“With the NBSO Shenzhen, the Netherlands is expanding its economic network to support Dutch companies in China,” Haspels said, adding that this new NBSO office in Shenzhen reflects the importance the Dutch Government attaches to Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, in particular.

Haspels also mentioned several Dutch companies that have made a lasting impression on the city’s urban fabric. In the financial heart of the city, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange building was designed by Rotterdam-headquartered architecture firm OMA. The Shenzhen Women & Children Building, one of the city’s child-friendly landmarks, was redesigned by Dutch architecture firm MVRDV.

“This official opening couldn’t be timelier, because now that Dutch people can stay in China, visa free for 15 days, Shenzhen should really be on any business itinerary to South China, because opportunities are plenty in Shenzhen,” the Dutch ambassador said.

Aniel Kerkvliet, chief representative of NBSO Shenzhen, hoped that innovative technologies and sustainable solutions from the Netherlands can be tested, developed, and achieve great success in Shenzhen.

NBSO Shenzhen will work closely with the Dutch Embassy and consulates in China, and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency to help Dutch businesses seize opportunities for cooperation and expansion, according to Kerkvliet.

The NBSO network spans 11 countries and regions worldwide with 22 offices in total, aimed at assisting Dutch companies in exploring potential overseas markets and promoting economic and trade exchanges between the Netherlands and other countries and regions.