Dutch government promotes sustainable business in Bangladesh

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Dutch government promotes sustainable business in Bangladesh
    Dutch SMEs that would like to undertake international corporate social responsibility can make use of various services that are made available by the Dutch government. Entrepreneurs were given an overview of the latest developments and opportunities in the rapidly developing country at a well-attended networking event in the Bangladesh House in Wassenaar, the Netherlands, on January 28. Also an investment fund of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs was presented which SMEs can use to finance their trade initiatives. The network gathering had been organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague and the Netherlands Bangladesh Business Platform. This platform is an initiative of the Dutch Embassy in Bangladesh and Nyenrode Business University. The activities of the Business Platform include organizing trade missions for Dutch SMEs. The platform’s website, www.nbb.org, provides information and research reports on doing business in Bangladesh. At the networking event Dutch entrepreneurs were able to meet diplomats from Bangladesh, to discuss best practices and to exchange experiences.   IMG_3686   Opportunities SMEs Through the Business Platform SMEs can benefit from government programs and the extensive network of the helpful embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Which recently was awarded with the Fenedex Embassy Price from various business organizations. Due to excellent information availability and relatively low investment thresholds, trade missions to Bangladesh are a great opportunity for SMEs. SMEs often don’t have the expertise to carry out the process to international trade on their own. The involvement of dignitaries creates opportunities and results in contracts to be signed more quickly. The Dutch SMEs possess much knowledge where Bangladesh companies can benefit from and with which Dutch companies can make profit – for example in the field of IT, logistics, agro-food and water management.   DSC_0701 Investment fund The Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) has been presented at the networking event. This financing fund has been set up by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is designed to support SMEs who do business with developing countries and emerging markets such as Bangladesh. These entrepreneurs often make a major contribution to the economic and social improvement in these countries. Through a revolving fund the DGGF offers tailor made financing to complement private investments or when entrepreneurs aren’t able to get financing through banks.    DSC_0718   From aid to trade   The relationship between Bangladesh and the Netherlands shifts from traditional development aid to sustainable trade and investments, as declared by Nyenrode’s Professor International Business Strategy, Désiree van Gorp: ‘Research shows great opportunities for Dutch companies in the food production and processing, water management, logistics and IT outsourcing. Due to strong economic growth Bangladesh is less dependent on development projects. Bangladesh offers increasing opportunities for a sustainable economic relationship. Outsourcing with care for people, planet, and profit is a good example of the Dutch agenda for aid, trade, and investments.’      

Suriname Appeals to Diaspora Community

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Suriname Appeals to Diaspora Community
From Carlton Ambassador Hotel. The diaspora plays an important role in Suriname’s ambitions for further economic development. At a seminar in The Hague on 7 February 2015, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Lackin appealed via skype to the diaspora community to contribute to the future development of his country: “Suriname needs you to strengthen its position in the Latin American region. Agriculture, infra, ICT, water management and tourism are priority sectors in which we want to invest your knowledge and expertise.” The well-attended event, organized by the Government of Suriname in cooperation with IOM, was the launch of an appeal by Suriname to engage its worldwide diaspora community. The diaspora has the knowledge, expertise and the financial network Suriname effectively needs to strengthen the country’s development. IOM’s Director General William Lacy Swing stressed diasporas become more important with their contributions to growth in skills and knowledge, trade and investment. “In this era of unprecedented mobility we should remove obstacles and foster fluidity between states. This encourages our transnational citizens to stay engaged in both home and host countries.” To engage the diaspora community, the Embassy of Suriname in the Netherlands will match the availability of the diaspora community in the Netherlands with the needs identified in Suriname. A special website will be set up by the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs.images[1]

Dutch Ministers of Foreign affairs and OPCW’s decision

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Dutch Ministers of Foreign affairs and OPCW’s decision
Diplomat Magazine’s news on MINBUZA. Foreign minister Bert Koenders has expressed support for the decision by the member states of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to condemn the use of chlorine gas in Syria as a violation of international law. He is also pleased with the OPCW’s statement that the perpetrators of the attacks must be held accountable. ‘This is the first time that the OPCW’s Executive Council has reached a consensus on issuing a condemnation. This is a positive development that we can build on,’ said Mr Koenders. The minister had previously expressed his concern about Syria’s repeated and systematic use of chlorine gas as a weapon, arguing that such actions contravene international agreements and cannot be allowed to go unpunished. The European Union has also condemned the use of chlorine gas by the Syrian regime. The use of chlorine gas (or any other chemical substance) as a weapon is a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Syria has been a party since October 2013. It is also a violation of UN Security Council resolution 2118. The Netherlands has called on the OPCW to do more to expedite the process of dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons programme. There are a number of former production facilities that must be destroyed, and Syria still has to submit a final report. While satisfied with the destruction of the chemical weapons stocks in Syria, Mr Koenders also stresses the importance of completing the final steps in the process. ‘We have to monitor Syria closely until we are convinced that the chemical weapons programme there has been completely eliminated,’ said Mr Koenders.  

Impact of Ending Dutch Development Support

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Impact of Ending Dutch Development Support

Direct from MINBUZA. In 2010, the Dutch government decided to reduce budgets for development cooperation. Budget cuts had to be realised by reducing the number of countries receiving aid. In addition, the ministry intended to enhance the effectiveness of support by focusing on sectors where the Netherlands would have the highest value added. The minister decided to reduce expenditure to social sectors (especially health, not including SRHR, and education) and to focus more on productive sectors. In November 2012 the government announced new budget cuts as part of a package that aimed at reducing the Dutch budget deficit.

In December 2012, a resolution from Parliament (TK 2012-2013, 33 400-V, no. 45) requested the ministry to analyse the effects of the budget cuts in bilateral aid for developing countries. In a letter to Parliament (TK 2013-2014, 32 605, no. 134) the minister announced that IOB would evaluate the effects of the discontinuation of development cooperation partnership. The evaluation seeks to comply with the request of Parliament, and a positive reaction of the minister, to evaluate the effects of the budget cuts in bilateral aid and complete withdrawal for the countries and programmes involved. The evaluation will focus on the effects of the Dutch phasing out on exit countries, including the impact on programmes and (larger) projects. In addition, the evaluation will assess the impact of budgetary reductions in the health and education sectors.

ICC separates Dominic Ongwen case

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ICC separates Dominic Ongwen case
  ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II separates Dominic Ongwen case from Kony et al. case Single Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova, on behalf of Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC), severed the proceedings against Dominic Ongwen from the case of The Prosecutor v. Joseph Kony, Vincent Otti, Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen. As the three other suspects in the case have not appeared or have not been apprehended yet, the Chamber deemed it necessary to separate the case so as not to delay the pre-trial proceedings against Mr Ongwen. After having consulted the Prosecutor, the Chamber decided not to proceed against the other three suspects in absentia. Joseph Kony, Vincent Otti and Okot Odhiambo remain at large, almost ten years after the issuance of the warrants of arrest. This decision does not in any way affect the rights of the victims accepted to participate in the case of the Kony et al. case. The Chamber will, in due course and in a separate decision, address the issue of victims’ participation in the Ongwen case.   Decision Severing the Case Against Dominic Ongwen On 16 January 2015, Dominic Ongwen was surrendered to the ICC’s custody and transferred to the ICC Detention Centre on 21 January 2015. His initial appearance before the Court took place on 26 January 2015. The beginning of the confirmation of charges hearing – a preliminary step to decide whether the case will be referred to a trial or not –  in respect of Dominic Ongwen was provisionally scheduled for 24 August 2015. Dominic Ongwen was the alleged Brigade Commander of the Sinia Brigade of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). On 8 July 2005, ICC Judges issued an arrest warrant against Mr Ongwen for 3 counts of crimes against humanity (murder; enslavement; inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering) and 4 counts of war crimes (murder; cruel treatment of civilians; intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population; pillaging) allegedly committed on or about 20 May 2004 at the Lukodi IDP Camp in the Gulu District.     
                

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce                    
                


                

                    

                    

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                            Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce
                        
                    

                
                

                    
By George M. Ammerlaan, Chairman Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands.


 


Dutch Consul General Wilfred Mohr Presents Update on Hong Kong in The Hague.


More than sixty guests joined a luncheon meeting at the head office of NIBC Bank on Carnegieplein in The Hague on Monday 2 February to listen to a presentation by the Dutch Consul General in Hong Kong, Mr. Wilfred Mohr. The meeting was organized by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands in cooperation with the Netherlands Hong Kong Society and the NIBC Bank.


 


Click here for photo-album:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650680024461/

 

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Mr. Machiel Jansen Schoonhoven, Director of NIBC Bank, welcomed the guests in their impressive auditorium. In his welcoming remarks he mentioned that the bank performed well in 2014, by focusing on its relationships with customers.

Mr. Hemmy Wong, Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society, welcomed guests and especially to its members. It was established in 1978 and is world’s oldest Hong Kong association of its kind.

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The Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, George Ammerlaan, briefed the audience about the trade flows between Hong Kong and the Netherlands in 2014. The Netherlands continued to be the third largest market for Hong Kong goods in Europe, after Germany and the UK. Hong Kong’s total exports in 2014 to the Netherlands represented a value of US$ 6.05 billion, up 12.7% compared with 2013.

Ammerlaan also mentioned that Dutch exports to Hong Kong decreased by just 1.7% in 2014 to a value of US$ 3.33 billion. The largest export commodity by far was milk and milk powder (not including butter and cheese). Exports of these products alone represented a value of US$ 1.02 billion.

Given the volume of trade between the Netherlands and Hong Kong, it is clear that the port on the South China coast has not lost its importance or relevance, said Ammerlaan, who added that about 25% of China’s total exports and imports leave or enter China via Hong Kong.

In his well-received keynote speech, Dutch Consul General to Hong Kong Mr. Wilfred Mohr addressed the political developments in Hong Kong in 2014. He focused on the demonstrations in the city that captivated the world for 79 days. Mr. Mohr emphasized on the peaceful and orderly nature of the events. Furthermore, he stressed the framework the new law on universal suffrage must fit in.

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The meeting at the NIBC Bank was concluded with a networking lunch in a meeting room overlooking the Peace Palace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        The Netherlands, my first priority                    
                


                

                    

                    

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                            The Netherlands, my first priority
                        
                    

                
                

                    By Janet Lowe, Ambassador of New Zealand.

Photography: Sharon Reyes, Jurjenz Productions.

I am delighted to be living in The Hague.

In addition to being responsible for New Zealand’s relations with the Netherlands, I am also accredited to Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Holy See, as well as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court and other international legal institutions in The Hague. With just two seconded New Zealand diplomats including myself, we are a small but busy post.

Previous overseas assignments have included Tokyo, Suva and Brussels. Prior to coming to The Hague, I was the Deputy Head of Mission in the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. Over the course of my diplomatic career, I have worked on a wide range of issues including trade, human rights, development and the environment as well as New Zealand’s relations with Japan, China, the European Union and Pacific island countries.

The Netherlands is my first priority in The Hague. It is one of New Zealand’s closet and most important partners in Europe. The excellent bilateral relationship is based on shared values underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties.

Over 150,000 New Zealanders claim Dutch heritage. There is also a sizeable New Zealand community in the Netherlands. This makes us natural partners and our close ties are exemplified by the fact that we are co-located in Myanmar.

New Zealand also has well-developed economic and trade links with the Netherlands which is an important source of FDI into New Zealand. Working closely with the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Office in Hamburg which covers trade and investment relations for the Netherlands and Nordic region, I hope to see these links develop further.

On 1 January this year, New Zealand took a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. New Zealand’s terms on the Security Council places us at the heart of international decision-making for the next two years. We live in challenging times and the Security Council is currently considering some of the most pressing issues the international community faces including the humanitarian crisis in Syria and other parts of the Middle East and Africa, Ebola and counter-terrorism.

This adds another exciting and challenging dimension to my work as ambassador as New Zealand will be engaging even more closely than before with our Dutch friends and other partners in the region on foreign policy and security issues over the next two years.

It has been 21 years since New Zealand last served on the Security Council. We are ready to serve again and to provide an independent voice at the world’s top diplomatic table.

To learn more about the New Zealand Embassy’s work, visit our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NZthehague

 

 

                 

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        Birth of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa                    
                


                

                    

                    

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                            Birth of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa
                        
                    

                
                

                    On the picture Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

By Baron Henri Estramant.

 

On 6 February 2015, Her Royal Highness Princess Sahab bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, spouse of His Highness Major Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Association of Athletics Federations, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, etc., gave birth to Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad’s second son, Abdullah. 

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was named after his maternal grandfather, the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia who passed away on 23 January 2015. 

He is the first born grandchild of the late monarch after his demise. Sheikh Abdullah is moreover the second son for Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad and his Saudi-born wife Princess Sahab bint Abdullah. Their first-born son, HH Sheikh Faisal bin Khalid, was born back in 2012. 

 Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad is the fifth son of Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad II and his second wife, HRH Sheikha Sheia bint Hassan Al Ajmi. His older brother, HH Colonel Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is The King’s Representative for Charity and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The latter has just launched the “Developing Leadership Skills and Knowledge Programme” through the foundation named after him. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad endevours to foster young endemic talent, and the development of a person’s self-awareness, communication skills, problem-solving skills, strategic thinking and personal authenticity.

 

More information: 

http://www.khalidbinhamad.info/en/

http://www.nbhf.bh/index.php

http://www.nasseralkhalifa.bh/english/index.asp#

 

                 

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        OPCW adopts a  decision                    
                


                

                    

                    

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                            OPCW adopts a  decision
                        
                    

                
                

                    OPCW adopts a decision on reports of the Fact-Finding Mission.

In a meeting today, the Executive Council of the OPCW adopted a decision expressing its serious concern regarding the findings of the Fact-Finding Mission, made with a high degree of confidence, that chlorine had been used as a weapon in three villages in northern Syria from April to August 2014.

The Council reaffirmed its condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances. It emphasised that any use of chemical weapons anywhere at any time by anyone under any circumstances is unacceptable and would violate international law. The Council expressed its strong conviction that those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons should be held accountable.

The Executive Council also expressed support for the continuation of the work of the Fact Finding Mission and called upon all parties which will be addressed by the FFM to extend their full cooperation to the Mission to ensure that it completes its work safely and effectively.

The Director-General welcomed the commitment of States Parties to protect and strengthen the fundamental goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. “This decision makes it absolutely clear that chemical weapons are illegal, and that their use will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Ambassador Üzümcü.

 

 

 

                 

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        Trade Mission from Peru                    
                


                

                    

                    

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                            Trade Mission from Peru
                        
                    

                
                

                    On the occasion of a trade mission directed by H.E. Minister Paul Duclos visiting the Netherlands, H.E. Ambassador of Peru, Carlos Herrera had the pleasure to invite a select group of Diplomats and Leaders of Industry at his residence in Wassenaar for a private dinner.                

            


        

    
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