In the picture, the Mayor of Almere, Franc Weerwind and the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mayerfas.
On March 4th, 2021, Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mayerfas alongside Mayor of Almere, Franc Weerwind cast the Indonesian signage at Floriade Expo 2022 lot. These symbolizes Indonesia’s participation on this international holticultural expo that will be held for 6 months from April 14th to October 9th 2022 at Almere, Netherland.
At the same time, in the presence of Ambassador Mayerfasand Mayor Weerwind, a contract signing was held between Annemarie Jorritsma, Commissioner-General Floriade Expo 2022 and Commissioner General of Section Indonesia, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. Due to the travel restriction, the contract were circularly signed, where the contract already signed by Indonesian representatives on January 19th 2021.
Ambassador Mayerfas.
Taking ‘Green Growing Cities’ as a theme, Floriade 2022 is an international horticultural expo that combines cultural promotion, creative economy and the concept of green sustainable cities. Indonesia with ‘Wonderful Green Archipelago’ as its main concept, will showcase it’s bio-diversity, cultures and maritime wealth as the biggest archipelagic country in the world.
Annemarrie Jorritsma convey her appreciation for Indonesia’s participation and looking forward to see Indonesia’s diversities at the Floriade Expo 2022. She believes that Indonesia would attract many visitors.
Ambassador Mayerfas emphasized that Indonesia’s participation would showcase the importance of local wisdom as part of well-balanced lifestyle with nature. It is the main part of green city concept.
Indonesia’s pavilion will involve many ministries and local governments. Ambassador Mayerfas express his optimism that Floriade Expo 2022 would be a strategic momentum to promote trade, tourism and investments, especially to support national recovery post-pandemic.
In the picture Consul General Dirk Janssen. Photographer Joukje Baur for Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco.
No more meetings, trade delegations, or cultural events. The emergence of Covid-19 a year ago halted business as usual for many in the diplomatic world.
The restrictions also had a major impact on the Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco. But a year later, the consulate has embraced digital diplomacy by organizing digital trade missions from its own webinar studio. Consul General Dirk Janssen explains how his team launched the so-called e-Consulate.
Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, the consulate used to welcome monthly trade delegations and several government officials per year. All that action came to a sudden stop in March 2020: “With the economic uncertainty that was ahead, we were determined to continue providing our economic services to Dutch and American companies,” said Consul General Janssen. “Meeting and connecting people is our core job, so our challenge was to adapt to a new world without travel and handshakes for the time being.”
The consulate’s team followed the example of innovative tech companies in Silicon Valley and pivoted, or made a quick turn of its business. “We launched the eConsulate, in which we offer the same services for businesses, but online. Companies could book online meetings, we opened a WhatsApp number for questions, and started hosting online events on a variety of topics,” said Consul General Janssen. “We also launched an online platform through which Dutch startups were mentored by Dutch tech entrepreneurs. Surprisingly, we started to expand our audience, from the US East Coast, to Iran and even Australia. Online we could connect even more people to Dutch innovation.”
The Netherlands e-consulate in San Francisco, California, USA
Forced into a strict lockdown in San Francisco, team members organized all this from their own homes. “It was quite an adaptation for all of us: from hosting events at the consulate to being a webinar moderator from your kitchen table. Suddenly, our economic staff had to be communications experts and our events manager had to do technical assistance,” said Consul General Janssen. “All our jobs changed, just to keep the consulate open and be of service of the Dutch and American business community. Our motto was: just do it and learn on the way. I think this pivot really represents the Netherlands, showcasing the smart Dutch flexible approach to problem solving.”
In June, the consulate hosted the first Dutch virtual trade mission, on smart and e-mobility. The consulate was transformed into a TV studio, and offered the 100 participating companies five days of webinars, and online match making and networking. Minister Kaag (Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) and California Lieutantant Governor Eleni Kounalakis opened the mission.
“From a content perspective, I think the virtual format is a great substitute, as it was easier to find a wide variety of speakers,” said Consul General Janssen. “Discussions went well, and there was a lot of knowledge exchange and contact sharing. It turned out that for many Dutch entrepreneurs, it was less of a hurdle to participate, as they didn’t have to travel across the globe.”
They did, however, miss the social part. “Networking online is different than in a room where you can shake each other’s hands,” he said. “We also noticed some cultural differences in meeting people online for the first time. Even now, we continue working on the perfect format for online interaction.”
Almost a year after the start of the corona crisis, the eConsulate has developed from a temporary solution to a more structural approach. It has hosted multiple trade missions, a network reception with live music, a naturalization ceremony, a film screening, a Nobel Prize lecture, a startup incubator program with Prince Constantijn, and alumni events all online from its own webinar studio built in one of the consulate’s meeting rooms. “The skyline of the city is our background, giving people in the Netherlands the feeling that they’re really visiting San Francisco,” said Consul General Janssen.
Consul General Janssen foresees continuing online meetings and events even once the pandemic recedes: “I really miss offline human contact; it’s an essential part of diplomacy. However, the world has changed. People don’t want to fly that often anymore and many companies here allowed work from home indefinitely. As a consulate we have to facilitate these wishes from the business community. So I expect trade missions to become more hybrid: first an online preparation program, then getting on a plane to actually meet possible partners. Offline and online will go hand in hand.”
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Photography by the Consulate General of the Netherlands.
In the picture Bentley’s Director of Design, Andreas Mindt.
Monday, 1 March 2021, Crewe, United Kingdom:Bentley Motors announced beginning of work duties for Andreas Mindt as Director of Design. He succeeded Stefan Sielaff. With more than 25 years of automotive design experience, all within the Volkswagen Group, Mindt was most recently Head of Exterior Design for Audi. In this six-year period, he oversaw the exterior design evolution of the breadth of the Audi model range, and the launch of the premium SUV coupé, the Audi Q8, and the e-tron, Audi’s very first full-electric production model.
Working at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, UK, Mindt will lead a team of approximately 50 design experts with responsibility for the exterior, interior and colour and trim design for the full current and future Bentley product portfolio, concept and showcars. Commenting on his new role, Andreas Mindt, said as per full statement below: “Bentley is a jewel within the Volkswagen Group. Designing a car, and a future, is always a process based on the performance of many, not one, and so I look forward to working with my colleagues to help define the next phase for Bentley, into an electrified future.”
Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s three model lines.
Picture by Landesvertretung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Michael Setzpfandt.
Tuesday, 2 March 2021, Berlin, Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia to the German Federation:NRW State Secretary for European and International Affairs, Dr. Mark Speich received the Australian Ambassador, HE Philip Green, for an inaugural visit at the ’embassy’ of Germany’s most populous federal state located in Berlin-Tiergarten.
In addition to becoming acquainted to each other personally, the talks served to deepen political and economic relations, in particularly with the focus on Australian technological know-how, hydrogen derivates, the relations of NRW to the Indo-Pacific regions, and the situation of free trade during the ongoing pandemic.
Ambassador Green is the Australian head of diplomatic mission in the Federal Republic of Germany since Wednesday, 11 November 2020. He is likewise accredited to the Swiss Confederation since 24 November 2020, and presented credentials in the Principality of Liechtenstein virtually on 29 October 2020.
Philip Victor Green has previously served as Australian Head of Mission (i.e. High Commissioner) in Singapore, South Africa and Kenya. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney.
Image by Landesvertretung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Michael Setzpfandt
By Henri Estramant.
Tuesday, 2 March 2021, Berlin, Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia to the German Federation:NRW State Secretary for European and International Affairs, Dr. Mark Speich received for a bilateral meeting, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, HE Dr Snežana Janković.
The topics of the working meeting were the relations between Serbia and North Rhine-Westphalia, in particularly the bilateral trade, the status of Serbian citizens living in NRW, and chiefly the accession process of Serbia into the European Union, which NRW normally supports.
Ambassador Dr Snežana Janković (b. 21.12.1970) has been Serbia’s top diplomat in Germany since 24 October 2019. In addition to her native Serbian, she is fluent in English, German and Japanese languages. She holds a doctorate degree in Philological Sciences from Senshū University, Japan.
Dr Snežana Janković began her diplomatic career in 1997. Her previous ambassadorship was based in Bern before the Swiss Confederation (2014-2019), and non-resident head of mission to the Principality of Liechtenstein.
A long-standing beacon of the brand’s own self-expression, the Swarovski Swan is reimagined through the filter of the Wonderlab, Creative DirectorGiovanna Engelbert’s imaginary crystal world. In her own words, “The Wonderlab is where science and magic meet, where extra and elegance collide, it is a feeling of wonder that everyone should experience as we invite them into our new world at Swarovski.”
As part of this world, the Swarovski Swan turns to face the brand’s new direction head on, poised to take flight. Evolving from its most recent iteration, it takes on a streamlined form – with an elongated neck and positioning crafted to reinforce the brand’s ever-forward momentum.
Symbolically, the Swan represents the beauty of nature and eternal love, a sentiment mirrored by Swarovski’s love of crystal. In adapting while staying true to its iconic emblem, Swarovski reinforces its pride for heritage as well as its vision for the future.
The finishing touch of Swarovski’s new brand icon comes in the form of a candylike octagon wrapping. Representing rebirth, the octagon is an immediate nod to a faceted crystal, evoking the unrivalled craftsmanship of Swarovski’s master cutters.
INSTANT WONDER – A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
The Swarovski Wonderlab comes alive with the unveiling of 28 Instant Wonder stores in key global markets. Beginning with Milan’s Galleria VittorioEmanueleII held on 23 February 2021, a further 27 store openings will follow across North America, Europe and APAC— including new locations in Paris and New York.
Yesterday, HCSS and the Clingendael Institute presented their Strategic Monitor, “Geopolitical Genesis: Dutch Foreign and Security Policy in a Post-COVID World”, providing insight into trends and developments in world politics.
The two Dutch think tanks stress that the time is now for Europe to adopt a more assertive geopolitical stance as a nascent world power, this being the only way to safeguard the Dutch and European interests and values.
The report describes six major challenges that the Netherlands and the EU will face in the post-corona world over the next ten years, and provides recommendations for Dutch foreign and security policy to meet these varied challenges.
These recommendations provide a global blueprint for future Dutch foreign and security policy, both to help strengthen the EU’s status as a burgeoning global power and to effectively tackle the complex challenges of today and the next decade.
“This Strategic Monitor underlines our own analysis and makes the need for Dutch investments in security and therefore also in defense crystal clear,” Minister Bijleveld commented. “This cabinet has taken a good first step, but more is needed. We must not look away from the growing threats and changing relationships in the world. We must face it and act accordingly.”Researchers Danny Pronk and Jack Thompson from the Clingendael Institute and HCSS presented the Strategic Monitor “Geopolitical Genesis: Dutch Foreign and Security Policy in a Post-COVID World” to the Minister of Defense, Ank Bijleveld, who also received it on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thursday, 4 March 2021, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR): A governmental spokesman as per statement below, expressed deep disappointment and serious dismay at the Heritage Foundation‘s decision to exclude Hong Kong from its 2021 Index of Economic Freedom.
“The decision is neither warranted nor justified. It does not do justice to the HKSAR, which topped the chart as the world’s freest economy for 25 years out of the Index’s 27-year history”.
“The HKSAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy over its economic and trade policies as enshrined in our Basic Law”.
The spokesman said that the HKSAR Government would continue to uphold Hong Kong’s institutional strengths, including the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, a simple and low tax system, an efficient government, a free trade and investment regime and a level-playing field for all so as to create a favourable environment for business to thrive and enable the economy to prosper.
“As a sophisticated international metropolis highly connected to the world, Hong Kong has been playing a unique role as a gateway, a springboard and an intermediary between China and the rest of the world. We will continue to leverage on the advantages of ‘one country, two systems’ to consolidate our position as an international centre for finance, commerce and trade as well as a home for corporate headquarters. We have every confidence in Hong Kong’s long-term economic development.”
The 2021 Index of Economic Freedom report was released by the Foundation on March 4, 2021, analysing the level of economic freedom of 178 economies. Hong Kong was not included in this report.
In this CSR’s edition a group of experts examine how the Caribbean is addressing the Sustainable Development Goals, and the impact of the pandemic on critical issues of food security, health care and social inequity – particularly in access to online education.
Digitisation also features in trade as manufacturers reposition for SME growth; and in Guyana Technip-FMC is contributing to skills development as the energy sector takes shape.
Hear from leaders…
Lawrence Arjoon, new CEO of the Heroes Foundation
Ambassador Patrick Gomes speaks on the ACP States and SDGs
Diana Francis of IICA speaks on Food Security
The TTMA is leading the conversation on export growth
Corporate Stories…
Atlantic’s response to Covid-19
ANSA McAL pulls together as family
bpTT’s million-dollar drive amidst the pandemic
NGC tackles sustainability
Shell T&T transforms stakeholder relationships
Nestle focuses on health and well-being
Opinions & Features…
Integrating The SDGs into Corporate Sustainability Strategy – from Kyle Santos
CARPHA’s holistic response to Covid-19 – Saarah Khan
Human Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation – from Juanita Headley
Sustainable Food Business at Adam’s Bagelry – Tisha Mahraj
Tuesday, 2 March 2021, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia: Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Germany, Jill Gallard, paid a visit to the NRW State Chancellery which marked her inaugural visit to the most populous German federal state since assuming her ambassadorship on 11 November 2021 in Berlin.
She was accompanied by the British Consul General in Düsseldorf, Rafe Courage, and received by NRW Minister of European and International Affairs, Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner. Together the trio gave the starting signal for the anniversary celebrations between NRW and the UK by virtue of witching on the light installation with the logo “75 Years of Friendship” projected onto the Behrens Building is the prelude to a whole series of events, competitions, discussion rounds and other encounters.
The year 2021 is to be a festival of freundship – despite the ongoing pandemic. Ambassador Jill Gallard affirmed that the two countries are “closer than ever before”. She is certain: “We will further expand and strengthen the friendship: As close trading partners, in many town and school partnerships and as regular visitors to each other’s countries.” It is now a matter of working “together on a new chapter of our long friendship”.
Both sides also see the celebrations as a signal at a time when headlines about the onerous consequences of Brexit dominate the public image: Relations between the UK and North Rhine-Westphalia are bright. Two key figures: No other federal state has as many British residents as North Rhine-Westphalia – 20,700 citizens. Over 1400 British companies operate in North Rhine-Westphalia. The state government’s celebrations of North Rhine-Westphalia’s 75th birthday on 23 August will also be a highlight in the year of the friendship anniversary.
Consul General Rafe Courage, Ambassador Jill Gallard and Minister Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner, Picture by Land NRW, Ralph Sondermann.
For it was the British military government that launched North Rhine-Westphalia in 1946 under the code name “Operation Marriage” by merging the northern part of the Prussian Rhine Province and the Province of Westphalia. “We know how much we owe to the British,” emphasised Europe Minister Holthoff-Pförtner at the start of the anniversary celebrations. “After the United Kingdom’s departure from the Customs Union and the Single Market, we will make our relations even closer. I am convinced: together we will remain Europeans.” Holthoff-Pförtner also emphasises that the United Kingdom – a country with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council – will remain an important partner in shaping international policy.
