By Baron Henri Estramant.Kuwait’s National Day celebrates the end of British protectorate over the then sheikhdom of Kuwait in 1961 making it a fully-fledged independent country. Effectively the country’s hakim (ruler), Sheikh Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah, took the title of “Amir”. It was likewise under his auspices that Kuwait became the very first country in the region to draft and proclaim a constitution in 1962, followed by a parliament in 1963. For a full Robert Huiberts’ photo album, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157664797431172H.E. Haifa Issami Madah, Ambassador of Venezuela and HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi during the 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait.More properly the reception marks the success in expelling Iraqi armed forces from Kuwait after that country had invaded the former in August 1990, and annexed it briefly as a province. That is, 25 February 1991, is a fête for the end of the Gulf War, albeit the emirate had to wait until March 1991 for the return to Kuwaiti soil of Amir Jaber III Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and of the Government. The two dates were celebrated with a reception on Monday, 22 February 2016, hosted by the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Head of Mission to the OPCW, HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague, and with the sponsorship support of Q8 (Kuwait Petroleum). H. E. Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi, Ambassador of the United Arab States and HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi. 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait in The Hague.A couple of large flat screens showed impressions of towns, dances and traditions typical of Kuwait. Guests included numerous Heads of Mission as well as officials from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs they were treated to a copious buffet of Arab specialities but also a large selection of juices and soft drinks.Ambassador of Russia, H.E. Alexander Shulgin and the Ambassador of Kuwait.H.E. Dr. Obaidullah Obaid, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Ambassador of Kuwait during the celebration of the 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait in The Hague.H.E. Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio and HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi, Ambassador of Kuwait. During the 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait.H. E. Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed bin Harib bin Abdullah Al Said, Ambassador of Oman and HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi, 55th Anniversary of The National Day & Liberation Day of The State of Kuwait.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.H.E. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Pujapresented his credentials to H.M. King Willem Alexander on Wednesday 17 February 2016. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja is the new envoy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The presentation of the credentials was followed by a Vin d’honneur at Wisma Duta, the official residence of Indonesian Ambassadors in Wassenaar.Ambassador Puja hails from the island of Bali. He is married to Rusdijana Puja and the couple has two children. He graduated in 1985 from Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He also holds a Master Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA), and The Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies in 1991.H.M. King Willem Alexander and Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.The Netherlands is Ambassador Puja’s second posting. He previously served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Austria, Republic of Slovenia and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna.From April 2012 to February 2016, he was Director General for ASEAN Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 2006 and 2009, Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja was the Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the UN, WTO and Other International Organizations, Geneva.The Netherlands and Indonesia have a longstanding and deeply intertwined historical relationship, and Ambassador Puja appreciates the fact that The Hague is at the heart of many multilateral relationships too. H.E. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja is looking forward to closely cooperate with his fellow ambassadors and others during his tenure in the Netherlands. H.E. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja and guests.Photography by the Koninklijk Huis and the Embassy of Indonesia. Information:
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague http://www.indonesia.nl/
H.E. Ambassador Piragibe Tarrago.10th Brazil Network Day, a Brazilian way of doing business
The Brazilian Embassy in The Hague together with State of Minas Gerais in close cooperation with the Province of Noord-Brabant is organizing the upcoming BND with the support of Rabobank, Ernest Young, Baker McKenzie, Neogrid Netherlands and Air Europa.
As in previous editions, BND will be a two parts program-event: Plenary-Panels (14h00 – 18h00) and a Business Networking Cocktail (18h00 – 21h00). Participation as normally is free of charge.
By bringing Brazilian and Dutch speakers together, fostering discussions on current issues and creating networking opportunity among companies, BND Noord-Brabant aims to promote a dialogue about investments and business opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands. Among other topics, this BND edition will give special emphasizes to the sustainability and synergy among agribusiness, biofuels and renewable energies sectors of both regions/countries.
The next BND is scheduled for Tuesday 29th March 2016, at the Chassé Theater, in Breda.
Please note that, due to space constrains, there are a limited number of places available. Registration at: www.BrazilNetworkDay.nl.
Four new exhibitions in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities from AprilOn 1 April the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden) will open no less than four exhibitions. The extraordinary rituals associated with death and entombment in the world of ancient Egypt will be the subject of ‘Egypt. Land of immortality’; ‘Cutting-edge history will focus exclusively on the fascinating history and symbolism of swords, while ’Roman Coast’ will tell the story of the Dutch coast during the Roman period. In the museum’s entrance hall artist Teun van Staveren will exhibit a series of paintings entitled ‘Admiring Baalbek’. See also www.rmo.nl.
‘Egypt. Land of immortality’ is a fascinating exhibition on the remarkable rituals surrounding death and burial in ancient Egypt, and the Egyptians’ firm belief in eternal life in the hereafter. Visitors will be introduced to Egyptian gods, temples and rituals, and the secrets pertaining to mummification.
On display will be 2000-year-old Egyptian mummies, painted mummy cases, figures of deities and grave goods such as magical scarabs, papyri inscribed with ritual spells and jewellery. All these items ensured that the deceased would enjoy a pleasant, eternal life in the hereafter. For children (8-12) there is a special fun trail with Dummie the Mummie, from the books by Tosca Menten (in Dutch).
In the exhibition ‘Cutting-edge History’ more than 150 exceptional swords will play starring roles in a narrative that encompasses the history of swords and their ritual and symbolic significance, from prehistoric times through the twentieth century.
On display will be ceremonial swords, cutting swords and thrusting swords from all parts of the world, from the museum’s own holdings and loaned by other collections at home and abroad. Among the highlights are the Dutch sword of state, which, together with the rest of the Dutch regalia, forms a visible symbol of royal authority, ‘magical’ bronze swords from prehistoric times and Viking swords from the environs of Dorestad, bearing the name of their smith.
‘Roman Coast’ is a walk along the Dutch coast during the Roman period, around 200 AD, and an encounter with the Romans and native people who lived there.
Archaeological finds such as weapons, ceramic utensils, jewellery, figurines of deities and altars from three coastal provinces, plus reconstructions of Roman ships and forts, illustrate the themes of trade and shipping, religion and domestic life, and the military defence of the coast and the frontier of the Roman Empire.
After Leiden the exhibition will travel on to a number of venues, including Huis van Hilde in Castricum and Muzee Scheveningen in The Hague.
Artist Teun van Staveren drew inspiration from the monumental Roman ruins of the city of Baalbek in the interior of Lebanon. Van Staveren’s training as an architect is evident in his paintings’ focus on the ancient buildings’ unprecedented dimensions and his eye for sophisticated architectural details. In the exhibition ‘Admiring Baalbek’ he presents twenty of his most impressive Baalbek works.
Three of the four spring exhibitions are housed in the exhibition area on the first floor which has been entirely remodelled. This now provides space for temporary exhibitions that would have been too large for the old galleries to accommodate.
The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is implementing a phased plan to update all its displays. This is scheduled for completion in time for the museum’s 200th anniversary in 2018. In 2013-2015 the ancient Near East and Classical World galleries were renovated.
The Egyptian department is currently undergoing a thorough refurbishment and will reopen in November 2016. The last display to be remodelled, in 2017, will be the presentation on the Netherlands in the Roman period.
The galleries’ new configuration has been partly financed by the museum’s annual grant from the BankGiro Loterij.
‘Egypte. Land of immortality 1 April to 2 October 2016
‘Cutting-edge history’ 1 April to 2 October 2016
‘Roman Coast’ 1 April to 25 September 2016
‘Admiring Baalbek’ 1 April to 25 September 2016
Information:
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Rapenburg 28, Leiden, www.rmo.nl, facebook.com/Oudheden
Ambassador of Cuba Fermín Quiñones during his speech.Embassy of Cuba to the Netherlands Pays Tribute to José Martí.The Embassy of Cuba in the Netherlands and the Hispanic Society of The Hague organised a cultural evening in Koningkerk, The Hague in order to celebrate the 163th anniversary of the birth of Cuba’s National Hero José Martí. The event was attended by a large number of Ambassadors of Latin America accredited in the Netherlands, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials and workers of the Cuban mission, and members of the Cuba-Netherlands Foundation that groups Cuban citizens living in the Netherlands, as well as a large group of members of the Asociación Hispánica de La Haya. The evening was dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the Simple Verses, the essay “Our America,” the speeches “With all and for the good of all” and “The New Pines,” and the 145th anniversary of “The Political Prison in Cuba,” all written by Marti.For additional pictures on the Tribute to José Marti, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157662646356774Huber Walter, Mariana Huchinson, H.E. Fermín Quiñones, Manuel Freyre and Edith Bergansius.The Chair of the Hispanic Society of The Hague, Mrs. Edith Bergansius spoke heartfelt words about the Simple Verses, a poetry book published in 1891 and how the verses contained in this book has been part of the legacy of the Cuban culture and are known in every corner of the world. Nearly everybody knows the song ‘Guantanamera’ but many fail to acknowledge the autor of ‘yo soy un hombre sincero de donde crece la palma’. The Ambassador of Cuba to the Netherlands His Excellency Fermín Quiñones, in evoking the figure of the National Hero of Cuba, said “Marti was the mastermind of the definite struggle; he was the one that saw the importance of unity to attain victory.” Mr. Quiñones also underlined the patriotic, pro-independence and Latin America-focused character of Marti’s work. He also spoke about one of the regional organizations inspired in the thoughts of Marti and other independent fighters of Latin America, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), whose fifth Summit was taking place in Quito, Ecuador.Agustin Vasquez Gomez, Minister Counsellor of El Salvador, Ambassador of Guatemala Gabriel Aguilera Peralta and Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez Ambassador of Costa Rica.Three generations of Cubans living in the Netherlands paid tribute to Jose Marti: Huber Walter recited the poems “The girl from Guatemala” and ´´I am an honest man,´´ young Manuel Freyre performed a musicalized version of the poem “My gentleman” and young violinist Mariana Huchinson made the delight of attendees with her rendition of “The Beautiful Cuban”.Latin American Ambassadors attending the event:
The Hague Political Academy, new Tailor-MadeCourses on Location.
Starting in April The Hague Political Academy arranges tailor-made sessions in your Embassy or at the Academy. Topics: Dutch society, and/or domestic politics and media and/or Dutch foreign and Europeanpolitics. Program and fee can be established in mutual agreement.
Regular courses:Courses 1How to deal with the Dutch & International Protocol
The first session will concentrate on Dutch customs and habits in order to get the participants acquainted with all the “do’s and don’ts” in Dutch society. The second session deals with international protocol. An expert will elaborate on all the main protocol topics and will provide you with concrete recommendations.
Dates: Monday April 4th and Wednesday April 6 th from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Courses 2Dutch Domestic Politics & The Role of the Media
The first session will familiarize foreign diplomats in The Hague with political life in the Netherlands. It will provide the participants with an inside understanding of the democratic system and the way politics work publicly and behind the scenes. After an introduction to the historical dimensions the policies of the present VVD/PvdA cabinet will be explained and discussed.
The second session will explain the complicated media landscape in the Netherlands. After a short historical overview the main focus will be put on the way public and social media operate in practice. Special attention will be paid to the influence of the media on the political process and the public opinion. The participants will also be provided with practical advice on dealing with the Dutch media.
Dates: Monday April 11th and Wednesday April 13th, from 5.30 pm until 7:30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Courses 3Dutch foreign and European Policy
This course deals with the Dutch Foreign and European Policy. The main characteristics of the Dutch external policy will be explained in a historical perspective. The most recent developments in European politics will be discussed.
Dates: Monday April 18th and Wednesday April 20th, from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Dr. Bob van den Bos
Course supervisor is Dr. Bob van den Bos, political scientist and former member of the Dutch Parliament (Upper and Lower Chambers) and the European Parliament.
On special request it is also possible to participate in only one session of a course. Participants will receive an Official Certificate at the end of the course.
Information and subscription:Dr. Bob van den BosTelephone: +31 (0)620978171e-mail: bravandenbos@planet.nl | info@politicalacademy.nlwww.thehaguepoliticalacademy.nl
Jan Dop, LL.M., Head of the Embassy Desk.Russell Advocaten a Dutch full service law firm, will host a seminar for a (40 persons) delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association, on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
Subject: Seminar for the Nigerian Bar Association
Date: Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Program: 10:00 Coffee/tea
10:30 Opening speech Paul W.L. Russell (Senior partner Russell Advocaten / former Senator)
10:40 Opening speech Augustine Alegeh SAN (President of the Nigerian Bar Association)
10:50 Opening speech Mr. P.N. van Regteren Altena (Dean of the Bar Association Amsterdam)
11:00 Lecture H.E. Mr H.C. Naves (President of the Amsterdam District Court) regarding The judiciary system in the Netherlands
11:40 Break
11:50 Lecture Mr. Jurjen Pen (criminal law specialist) and Jan Dop (partner Russell Advocaten/Head of Embassydesk)
12:30 Luncheon
Russell Advocaten provides legal services to Embassies and Consulates on a broad range of fields through its specialized Embassy Desk. They also services corporate clients from abroad that intend to do business in the Netherlands. Their expertise lies in the fields of corporate law, real estate and lease law (Embassies, Ambassadors’ accommodation), labour/employment law (sickness-related matters, labour conditions, dismissal), immunity and (commercial and corporate) litigation.
H.E. Mr. Saywan bin Sabir bin Mustafa Barzani, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Head of Mission to the OPCW presented his Letter of Credentials to H.E. Mr. Ahmet Üzümcü, Director General of OPCW, today.
Ambassador Barzani presented credentials to His Majesty The King of the Netherlands on 20 January, 2016.
Previously he was ambassador to the Italian Republic and non-resident to Malta.
Information:
http://www.embassyofiraq.nl/
On the picture Mr Hans Poulis Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society.Shirley LamSpecial Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Unión and Hans Poulis Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society hosted a traditional Chinese music concert by the Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble and a reception on the occasion of the Chinese New Year at Nieuwe of Littéraire Sociëteit De Witte last Monday.
As already expected it was a tremendous turnout and an important milestone in the business and social agenda of The Hague.
George Ammerlaan, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce.
After a warmth welcome speech from Mr. George Ammerlaan, Director, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands the floor was taken by Ms Shirley Lam followed by Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh guest of honor, Alderman of the City of The Hague and Mr. Hans Poulis.
For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures on the Chinese New Year Celebration at Sociëteit De Witte, please click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157664778032756
Furthermore, the Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble, delivered a musical intermezzo, which was very much appreciated by the guests. Following the performance with invitees coming from the Netherlands and Belgium, a reception and Chinese buffet.
Mr. Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society remarked that 2015 was a good year for the economic relations between Hong Kong and the Netherlands.
” Last year our country remained the third largest export market for Hong Kong in the EU, after Germany and the United Kingdom and ahead of countries like France, Italy and Spain. In fact, the Netherlands became Hong Kong’s 11th largest export market in the world in 2015. Jumping 4 places in one year! Hong Kong’s total exports to the Netherlands had a value of more than US$ 6.7 billion, up more than 10% compared with 2013″ he said.
“Of course” he continued ” a substantial part of these goods is re-exported from the Netherlands to other countries but, we cannot stress this enough, very often Dutch companies are sourcing and buying these goods in Hong Kong and China. Regrettably our own exports to Hong Kong dropped in 2015, by more than 12% but still had a value of more than US$ 2.9 billion”
“Roughly one thirds of the Dutch exports were milk products. Dutch buyers continued to visit the many excellent and important trade fairs in Hong Kong and Dutch companies again joined these fairs as exhibitors.
The Netherlands Hong Kong Society itself brought a mission of more than 10 persons to the Hong Kong Forum of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide in early December. In my capacity as CEO of IGC Global Communications I will head a mission of more than 80 persons to the Gift and Premium Fair in April.
According to our friends from Invest Hong Kong, 195 Dutch companies were established with an office in Hong Kong in mid-2015. During the year, an extra three Dutch companies set up an office in the Special Administrative Region.
Our Consul General in Hong Kong, Mr Wilfred Mohr, informed me in December that the Dutch community in Hong Kong is the largest community of our countrymen and -women in Asia. There may be more than 5000 Dutch nationals in Hong Kong, including Hong Kong or Chinese born persons with a Dutch passport who have retired to the city.”
As closing remarks Mr Poulis added “Our work would not be possible without the support of our partners and members, of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
We need your support. If you have not joined us, please do. Our network is strong, our events are interesting and, I think we can all agree on this, there are still many, many opportunities for trade in, with or via Hong Kong.”
Mr George Ammerlaan, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Mr Rabin Baldewsingh, Alderman of the City of The Hague, Ms Shirley Lam, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, Mr Hans Poulis, Chairman, the Netherlands Hong Kong Society and Mr Stephen Wong, Regional Director Europe, Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, is the official representation of the Hong Kong Government to the European Union and 15 European countries, including the Netherlands. The aim is to promote the bilateral political, economic and cultural relations between Hong Kong and the Netherlands. Last Monday’s event was organized by the same Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Unión together with the Netherlands Hong Kong Society .
Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble.
![Credentials-Dubes-RI-dengan-Raja-Willem-Alexander-300x189[1]](https://i0.wp.com/diplomatmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/Credentials-Dubes-RI-dengan-Raja-Willem-Alexander-300x1891.jpg?fit=300%2C189&ssl=1)
The Netherlands and Indonesia have a longstanding and deeply intertwined historical relationship, and Ambassador Puja appreciates the fact that The Hague is at the heart of many multilateral relationships too.
H.E. Ambassador Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja is looking forward to closely cooperate with his fellow ambassadors and others during his tenure in the Netherlands.
By bringing Brazilian and Dutch speakers together, fostering discussions on current issues and creating networking opportunity among companies, BND Noord-Brabant aims to promote a dialogue about investments and business opportunities between Brazil and the Netherlands. Among other topics, this BND edition will give special emphasizes to the sustainability and synergy among agribusiness, biofuels and renewable energies sectors of both regions/countries.
The next BND is scheduled for Tuesday 29th March 2016, at the Chassé Theater, in Breda.
Please note that, due to space constrains, there are a limited number of places available. Registration at: www.BrazilNetworkDay.nl. 
‘Roman Coast’ is a walk along the Dutch coast during the Roman period, around 200 AD, and an encounter with the Romans and native people who lived there.
Archaeological finds such as weapons, ceramic utensils, jewellery, figurines of deities and altars from three coastal provinces, plus reconstructions of Roman ships and forts, illustrate the themes of trade and shipping, religion and domestic life, and the military defence of the coast and the frontier of the Roman Empire.
After Leiden the exhibition will travel on to a number of venues, including Huis van Hilde in Castricum and Muzee Scheveningen in The Hague.
Artist Teun van Staveren drew inspiration from the monumental Roman ruins of the city of Baalbek in the interior of Lebanon. Van Staveren’s training as an architect is evident in his paintings’ focus on the ancient buildings’ unprecedented dimensions and his eye for sophisticated architectural details. In the exhibition ‘Admiring Baalbek’ he presents twenty of his most impressive Baalbek works.
Three of the four spring exhibitions are housed in the exhibition area on the first floor which has been entirely remodelled. This now provides space for temporary exhibitions that would have been too large for the old galleries to accommodate.
The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is implementing a phased plan to update all its displays. This is scheduled for completion in time for the museum’s 200th anniversary in 2018. In 2013-2015 the ancient Near East and Classical World galleries were renovated.
The Egyptian department is currently undergoing a thorough refurbishment and will reopen in November 2016. The last display to be remodelled, in 2017, will be the presentation on the Netherlands in the Roman period.
The galleries’ new configuration has been partly financed by the museum’s annual grant from the BankGiro Loterij.
Regular courses:
Courses 1
How to deal with the Dutch & International Protocol
The first session will concentrate on Dutch customs and habits in order to get the participants acquainted with all the “do’s and don’ts” in Dutch society. The second session deals with international protocol. An expert will elaborate on all the main protocol topics and will provide you with concrete recommendations.
Dates: Monday April 4th and Wednesday April 6 th from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Courses 2
Dutch Domestic Politics & The Role of the Media
The first session will familiarize foreign diplomats in The Hague with political life in the Netherlands. It will provide the participants with an inside understanding of the democratic system and the way politics work publicly and behind the scenes. After an introduction to the historical dimensions the policies of the present VVD/PvdA cabinet will be explained and discussed.
The second session will explain the complicated media landscape in the Netherlands. After a short historical overview the main focus will be put on the way public and social media operate in practice. Special attention will be paid to the influence of the media on the political process and the public opinion. The participants will also be provided with practical advice on dealing with the Dutch media.
Dates: Monday April 11th and Wednesday April 13th, from 5.30 pm until 7:30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Courses 3
Dutch foreign and European Policy
This course deals with the Dutch Foreign and European Policy. The main characteristics of the Dutch external policy will be explained in a historical perspective. The most recent developments in European politics will be discussed.
Dates: Monday April 18th and Wednesday April 20th, from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm.
Venue: 24, Prinsevinkenpark, The Hague
Participation fee: € 180,-
Russell Advocaten provides legal services to Embassies and Consulates on a broad range of fields through its specialized Embassy Desk. They also services corporate clients from abroad that intend to do business in the Netherlands. Their expertise lies in the fields of corporate law, real estate and lease law (Embassies, Ambassadors’ accommodation), labour/employment law (sickness-related matters, labour conditions, dismissal), immunity and (commercial and corporate) litigation.
Furthermore, the Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble, delivered a musical intermezzo, which was very much appreciated by the guests. Following the performance with invitees coming from the Netherlands and Belgium, a reception and Chinese buffet.
Mr. Hans Poulis, Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society remarked that 2015 was a good year for the economic relations between Hong Kong and the Netherlands.
” Last year our country remained the third largest export market for Hong Kong in the EU, after Germany and the United Kingdom and ahead of countries like France, Italy and Spain. In fact, the Netherlands became Hong Kong’s 11th largest export market in the world in 2015. Jumping 4 places in one year! Hong Kong’s total exports to the Netherlands had a value of more than US$ 6.7 billion, up more than 10% compared with 2013″ he said.
“Of course” he continued ” a substantial part of these goods is re-exported from the Netherlands to other countries but, we cannot stress this enough, very often Dutch companies are sourcing and buying these goods in Hong Kong and China. Regrettably our own exports to Hong Kong dropped in 2015, by more than 12% but still had a value of more than US$ 2.9 billion”
“Roughly one thirds of the Dutch exports were milk products. Dutch buyers continued to visit the many excellent and important trade fairs in Hong Kong and Dutch companies again joined these fairs as exhibitors.
The Netherlands Hong Kong Society itself brought a mission of more than 10 persons to the Hong Kong Forum of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide in early December. In my capacity as CEO of IGC Global Communications I will head a mission of more than 80 persons to the Gift and Premium Fair in April.
According to our friends from Invest Hong Kong, 195 Dutch companies were established with an office in Hong Kong in mid-2015. During the year, an extra three Dutch companies set up an office in the Special Administrative Region.
Our Consul General in Hong Kong, Mr Wilfred Mohr, informed me in December that the Dutch community in Hong Kong is the largest community of our countrymen and -women in Asia. There may be more than 5000 Dutch nationals in Hong Kong, including Hong Kong or Chinese born persons with a Dutch passport who have retired to the city.”
As closing remarks Mr Poulis added “Our work would not be possible without the support of our partners and members, of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
We need your support. If you have not joined us, please do. Our network is strong, our events are interesting and, I think we can all agree on this, there are still many, many opportunities for trade in, with or via Hong Kong.”
