By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The launching of the International Trade Diplomacy Business Club (ITDBC) took place at the Malietoren The Hague on 9 March 2017.
The welcome remarks were delivered by Ms. Marion Verboom, the organisation’s first executive director. According to Verboom, the ITDBC is a new platform for trade diplomacy. She told attendees the second meeting will be in June 2017 and a visit will be organized to an agro farm.
Mr. Hans de Boer, Chairman of VNO NCW MKB Nederland, then delivered an inaugural address. According to Mr. de Boer, the ITDBC has the potential to be a wonderful initiative, and has been a missing link in the Dutch international trade scene.
An address was then delivered by Mr. Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director International Enterprise Department (DIO) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Opmeer encouraged the audience to make good use of what ITDBC has to offer. He noted that the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Ms. Lilianne Plumen has recently signed an agreement with MKB for the promotion of external trade.
The International Trade Diplomacy Business Club is a network for doing business in The Netherlands. It enables trade diplomats to meet on a regular and informal basis, to share their experiences with fellow trade diplomats, acquire practical skills for international business and expand their knowledge of trade matters. Briefings will be organized on international trade issues and visits to relevant companies and institutions for doing business in The Netherlands.
Many turn out to attend the launching ceremony. The program included a session of speed meeting with trade diplomats, and an interactive discussion on the outcome of the questionnaire by Suzanne van Tilburg, Senior Strategy Manager at Rabobank. An informal networking reception concluded the afternoon.
