Last year, foreign companies invested a record-breaking €3.2 billion in the Dutch economy, with government support. A total of 187 new projects have been completed, including new head offices, production facilities and data centres. These investments generated 6,304 new jobs, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) found. It published its annual statistics today.
‘Investors see plenty of opportunities for investment in our country, and rightly so. We have a highly skilled working population and world-class digital infrastructure. Our economy’s also picking up. These things act as a magnet on investors,’ economic affairs minister Henk Kamp said. But he also cautioned that the rest of the world isn’t standing still. ‘We need to keep aiming high in the years ahead, to maintain our country’s attractive business climate.’
Mr Kamp and foreign trade minister Lilianne Ploumen share responsibility for the NFIA’s work.
‘As these data show, trade and investment generate employment in the Netherlands,’ Ms Ploumen said. ‘That’s why Dutch embassies around the world are working to draw international companies to the Netherlands. We especially want to convince more international start-ups that the Netherlands is the place to be for innovators. There’s still a lot of potential to be realised on that front.’
Welcome Google, Expedia and Netflix
Thanks to a targeted acquisition strategy the NFIA succeeded in attracting a number of big names to the Netherlands in 2014. In Amsterdam online travel provider Expedia expanded its service centre by 120 jobs and Netflix opened its new European headquarters; Google is building a €600 million data centre in Eemshaven; and Canada’s Northland Power is investing €1.6 billion in the Gemini offshore wind farm, some 85 km off the north coast of the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the fashion brand American Eagle is building a large distribution centre in Bergen op Zoom that will provide 100 local jobs, and Europastry from Spain is starting up a bakery in Oldenzaal, creating 75 jobs.
The Netherlands has international appeal
Most foreign investors in our country are from the United States. Last year they invested in 65 projects, which generated over 2,300 jobs. In second place is China, with 28 projects and over 500 jobs. South Korean investors have also discovered the Netherlands, with 15 projects and 165 jobs, although India is not far behind with 10 projects that have generated 225 jobs. Foreign investments in 2013 were lower, at €1.7 billion, although it was an excellent year in terms of employment: 8,500 new jobs. In 2012 foreign investments generated more than 5,000 jobs.
‘Invest in Holland’
Until 2020, the NFIA and its regional partners will be running a campaign entitled ‘Invest in Holland’, aimed particularly at companies in the chemicals industry, agri-food, high-tech systems and materials, life sciences & health, and ICT. These are priority sectors in Dutch economic policy. Without diminishing its focus on major investors from the US and Japan, the NFIA will also be working to capitalise on the networks it has built up in China and India. The NFIA and the Dutch diplomatic missions will be working together in Start-up Delta, an initiative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs headed by former European Commissioner Neelie Kroes. It will mainly target countries with high numbers of start-ups, like the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel.
Minister of Security and Justice Ivo Opstelten and State Secretary for Security and Justice Fred Teeven asked His Majesty the King to accept their resignations.
The King’s Office has announced that His Majesty has honourably discharged Mr Opstelten and Mr Teeven upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister, thanking them for the many important services rendered to the monarch and the Kingdom.
Stef Blok, the Minister for Housing and the Central Government Sector, will be responsible for the Ministry of Security and Justice until a new minister is appointed.
Foreign Minister Bert Koenders and Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert visited Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan.
Since 1 January 2015 around 100 Dutch military personnel have been stationed there as part of Resolute Support, the follow-on mission to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). It was both ministers’ first opportunity to see for themselves the progress being made in this new NATO mission.
No longer a haven for terrorists
Accompanied by General Tom Middendorp, the Dutch Chief of Defence, the ministers observed a session for Afghan police and army personnel at Camp Shaheen in Mazar-e Sharif. They also saw where Dutch military personnel are housed. ‘At present, the focus is mainly on combating ISIS, but you too are working every day to improve security right here,’ said Ms Hennis-Plasschaert, emphasising the importance of the Dutch involvement in Afghanistan. ‘You deserve a great deal of respect,’ she continued. ‘A well-functioning army and police force are essential for restoring the rule of law. We don’t want Afghanistan to become a haven for terrorists ever again.’
By Mete Erdurcan and Baron Henri Estramant.9 March 2015, His Conqueror Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (b. 28 November 1927) opened the third session of Parliament in Kuala Lumpur. Tuanku Abdul Halim is the 14th “Yang di-Pertuan Agong” (Paramount Ruler of Malaysia) since 13 December 2011, concurrently holds the position of Sultan of Kedah, though he does not exercise regal prerogatives in the State of Kedah whilst holding the headship of state. The Federation of Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy having with an elected monarch rotating amongst the nine hereditary rulers of Malaysia as Head of State; the “Yang di-Pertuan Agong” (literally “He who is made Lord”). The office was established in 1957 when Malaysia became independent from the United Kingdom. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku held a speech at the opening of the 13th parliamentary sitting. In his opening statement he called on the public to reject religious extremism, specifically naming the Islamic State (IS) terror group.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On Tuesday March 11 2015, His Excellency Dr. Tony Aidoo, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana, hosted a reception to bid farewell to Judge Akua Kuenyehia. A former first Vice-President and Judge of the International Criminal Court, Ambassador Aidoo called Judge Akua Kuenyehia an illustrious daughter of Ghana.
Kuenyehia holds the highest distinction of the Republic of Ghana.
His Excellency Dr. Tony Aidoo and Judge Akua Kuenyehia.Kuenyehia was educated at the University of Ghana and Oxford University. She has spent most of her professional career lecturing at the University of Ghana, as Dean of Law, and as a visiting professor at other institutions including Leiden University and Temple University. She is the President of Mount crest University College, Ghana. Professor Akua Kuenyehia, was also Dean of the faculty of Law of the renowned Legon University in Ghana.
H.E. Karim Ben Becher, Ambassador of Tunisia and H.E. Ms. Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi, Ambassador of Nigeria.
Judge Akua Kuenyehia is a foundation member of the ICC. Together with former President Sang-Hyun Song and others they set up the court in 2003.
For full photo-album, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157650892313850/
By Mete Erducan and Baron Henri Estramant.
Every year the fifty-three Commonwealth nations commemorate their special affiliation by celebrating a “Commonwealth Day”.
The “Commonwealth of Nations” is an intergovernmental institution of 53 member states, which mostly belong to the group of former dominions, protectorates and territories of the British Empire. To celebrate this institution, Commonwealth Day is held annually on the second Monday of March. This year the event was commemorated on March 9, 2015. It is traditionally marked by a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey, and therefore attended by The Head of the Commonwealth; Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty was accompanied by the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kamelesh Sharma, who is also the Indian High Commissioner to the UK.
Flags of the Commonwealth
This year it was focused on the theme ‘A Young Commonwealth’. The festivities included music and lectures from several people from the Commonwealth nations, the most famous being Her Majesty the Queen herself.
Her Majesty stressed the special privilege the Commonwealth nations possess for the possibility of cooperation on a very advanced level; in her own words ‘One simple lesson from history, when people come together to talk, to exchange ideas, and to develop common goals. Wonderful things can happen’.
A diplomatic reception was given by the Commonwealth’s Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma at Marlborough House, London. Amongst the most prominent guests were The Head of the Commonwealth, HRH The Prince of Wales, and Malta’s President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and her husband Edgar. President Coleiro Preca met with Her Majesty The Queen and other Commonwealth dignitaries to discuss the forthcoming “Commonwealth Heads of State and Government” summit to be held in Malta in November 2015.
Today, 11 March 2015, Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) granted the Prosecutor’s request to join the cases concerning Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé, in order to ensure the efficacy and expeditiousness of the proceedings. The Chamber vacated the commencement date for the trial in the Gbagbo case, originally set for 7 July 2015, and scheduled a status conference for 21 April 2015 at 09:30 in order to examine procedural issues related to the trial.
The Chamber noted that both Mr. Gbagbo and Mr. Blé Goudé have had charges confirmed against them which arise from the same allegations, namely crimes allegedly committed during the same four incidents by the same direct perpetrators who targeted the same victims because they were perceived to be supporters of Alassane Ouattara. The Chamber also noted that, although their alleged participation in and/or contribution to the conception and implementation of the common plan or purpose is not the same, the conduct of Mr. Gbagbo and Mr. Blé Goudé, as alleged in the Confirmation Decisions, is nevertheless closely linked. The Chamber also explained that as, according to the Prosecution, largely the same evidence has been and will be disclosed and presented in both cases.
After considering the submissions and observations of the Prosecution, the Defence teams of both accused and the Legal Representatives of the victims, the Chamber concluded that a joint trial is appropriate to ensure a fair and expeditious trial. The Chamber concluded that the joinder of the cases would serve the interest of justice by avoiding the duplication of a significant body of evidence that shall be presented to the Chamber, and by ensuring consistency in the presentation and assessment of the evidence.
The Chamber also noted that the cases’ joinder would allow for a better use of the Court’s resources and would reduce the exposure of and hardship to witnesses, who otherwise may have to testify twice. Furthermore, the Chamber considered that separate trials are not necessary to ensure that the accused will not suffer any serious prejudice.
In addition, the Chamber designated Judge Geoffrey Henderson as Presiding Judge and as Single Judge for the purposes of trial preparation in the joint case.
Background: Laurent Gbagbo, former President of Côte d’Ivoire, was surrendered to the ICC on 30 November 2011 and he first appeared before the Pre-Trial Chamber on 5 December 2011. On 12 June 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed, by majority, four charges of crimes against humanity (murder, rape, other inhumane acts or – in the alternative – attempted murder, and persecution) against Laurent Gbagbo and committed him for trial before a Trial Chamber.
Charles Blé Goudé, born on 1 January 1972 in Niagbrahio, Côte d’Ivoire, was surrendered on 22 March 2014 to the ICC by the national authorities of Côte d´Ivoire following a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC on 21 December 2011. On 11 December 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed four charges of crimes against humanity (murder, rape, other inhumane acts or – in the alternative – attempted murder, and persecution) against Charles Blé Goudé and committed him to trial before a Trial Chamber.
The crimes were allegedly committed in Côte d’Ivoire, between 16 December 2010 and on or around 12 April 2011.
Judge Fernández de Gurmendi elected ICC President for 2015-2018; Judges Aluoch and Ozaki elected First and Second Vice-President respectively.
Today, 11 March 2015, the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), sitting in a plenary session, elected Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi (Argentina) as President of the Court for a three-year term with immediate effect. Judge Joyce Aluoch (Kenya) was elected First Vice-President and Judge Kuniko Ozaki (Japan) Second Vice-President.
“It is a great honour to have been elected President of the International Criminal Court. I will do my utmost to live up to the trust that my fellow judges have placed in me. I look forward to working together with the two Vice-Presidents, Judge Joyce Aluoch and Judge Kuniko Ozaki, and indeed all the judges and other organs of the Court, as well the Assembly of States Parties, civil society and the international community at large, in fulfilling the ICC’s important mandate for the sake of justice, peace and the rule of law”, President Fernández de Gurmendi stated following the election. “I also wish to express my deep appreciation of the outstanding contributions that the previous President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, and Vice-Presidents Sanji Mmasenono Monageng and Cuno Tarfusser made during their mandate,” she added.
The Presidency – consisting of the President and the two Vice-Presidents – plays a key role in providing strategic leadership to the ICC as a whole. The Presidency coordinates with the other organs and seeks the concurrence of the Prosecutor on matters of mutual concern. In accordance with the Rome Statute, the ICC’s governing treaty, the Presidency is responsible for the proper administration of the Court, with the exception of the Office of the Prosecutor.
The Presidency oversees the activities of the Registry and provides input into a broad range of administrative policies affecting the Court’s overall functioning. Furthermore it conducts judicial review of certain decisions of the Registrar and concludes Court-wide cooperation agreements with States and international organizations.
Pre-Trial Chamber II informs the United Nations Security Council about Sudan’s non-cooperation in the arrest and surrender of Omar Al BashirToday, 9 March 2015, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided that the Republic of Sudan failed to cooperate with the Court by not arresting and surrendering Omar Al Bashir to the Court over the last years. The Chamber decided to inform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take the necessary measures it deem appropriate. The Chamber stressed that if there is no follow up action on the part of the UNSC, any referral by the Council to the ICC under Chapter VII of the UN Charter would never achieve its ultimate goal, namely, to put an end to impunity.The Chamber highlighted that, although Sudan is not a State party to the ICC Rome Statute, it has an obligation to cooperate with the ICC; this obligation stems directly from the United Nations’ Charter as Sudan is a UN member since 12 November 1956 and the UNSC has adopted, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, a resolution 1593 (2005) in which it was decided that the “Government of Sudan […] shall cooperate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to the Court and the Prosecutor pursuant to this resolution”.The Chamber found that Sudan has failed to cooperate with the Court by constantly refusing to engage in any sort of dialogue with the responsible organs of the Court over the past six years and to execute the pending requests for the arrest and surrender of Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir. The Chamber also found that Sudan did not discharge its obligations to consult or notify the Court of any impediment to execute the pending requests.On 4 March 2009, Pre-Trial Chamber I issued a first warrant of arrest for Mr Al Bashir, considering that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the suspect is criminally responsible for five counts of crimes against humanity and two counts of war crimes. The same Chamber, albeit with a different composition, issued a second warrant of arrest was issued for Mr Al Bashir on 12 July 2010, for three counts of genocide.
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