Business Essential

Today Amsterdam is as bustling and economically productive as it used to be during its golden age when ships sailed to all corners of the Dutch Empire. Capital likes to see itself as being at the heart of Europe, and its location does give it easy access to a number of major European markets. European Cities Monitor recognized Amsterdam as one of the top five business locations in Europe in 2002.

Amsterdam's prime position within Europe, with excellent international connections from the ever-expanding Schiphol airport and Amsterdam port, a strong infrastructure, a multilingual workforce, a stable political and economic climate and business-friendly policies make it a truly great place for business opportunities.

After finance, fashion and flowers are key sectors. Tulips are probably the most famous of all Amsterdam's exports. Over the last 20 years, Amsterdam has also developed a strong base in advanced technological industries, computing, telecommunications and biotechnology.

The business facilities provided in Amsterdam are very extensive.
The Amsterdam RAI International Exhibition & Congress Center, Europaplein 8 (tel: (020) 549 1212; fax: (020) 646 4469; e-mail: corcom@rai.nl; website: www.rai.nl), is one of the country's largest and one of the world's leading convention centres. Commercial information is available from the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (tel: (020) 531 4568; fax: (020) 531 4699; e-mail: post@amsterdam.kvk.nl) and from Amsterdam Promotion Foundation.

Business Etiquette

Business hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Punctuality is very important as the Dutch pride themselves on their efficient use of time. Business associates should be addressed by their full name and title and not by their first name, unless they are much younger or have indicated that it is all right to do so. Most Dutch executives speak English, so it is not essential to have business cards translated into Dutch. However, it is important to have promotional material and instruction manuals translated into Dutch.

It is a good idea for visiting businesspeople to put the date their company was founded (if it was a long time ago) and university degree details on their cards, as the Dutch respect history and education.

While the Dutch wear suits for business meetings, smart-casual wear is worn on social occasions. Business lunches and appointments in the evening are rare. If invited to the home of an associate, guests should bring flowers. If given a present, it is customary to unwrap it immediately.