The Netherlands is fertile ground for Chinese companies wishing to grow in Europe
by Jeroen Nijland, Commissioner Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency；Photo by Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency
● Pioneering Trader
● Logistical Excellence
● Networks: Physical and Digital
● Strengths & Stability
In the Netherlands, we have a long history of global trade and business. Back in the 17th Century, often referred to by the Dutch as the ‘Golden Century’, the Netherlands was the leading global trading nation, and the Netherlands was considered the first truly modern economy.
Pioneering Traders
A technological revolution in shipbuilding led to a competitive advantage in shipping that helped the Dutch to become the dominant trade power by the mid-17th century. Fleets of merchant ships brought back exotic spices and luxury goods from far-flung outposts in Asia and the Americas, and Amsterdam became the hub of global trade. The concept of shares in a company is a Dutch invention, having been pioneered at the Amsterdam Stock Exchange or ‘Beurs’ by the VOC or East India Trading Company. So, you could say that trade and international business are deeply ingrained in the Dutch DNA.
This continues today, as the Netherlands is still a key trading partner for many countries with 50% of GDP being earned internationally. Much of this ongoing success is due to our strategic location in Europe. The respected business title, Forbes magazine, placed the Netherlands 3rd in its ‘Best Countries for Business’ rankings, and DHL ranked the Netherlands No.1 on its Global Connectedness Index. With a location at the heart of Europe, the Netherlands is a perfect base from which to address the European market, with 95% of Europe’s most lucrative consumer markets within a mere 24 hours from Rotterdam or Amsterdam. This makes the Netherlands the ideal springboard from which to launch business initiatives aimed at the European and broader global markets.
Logistical Excellence
Any business that operates nationally and internationally depends on logistics: a combination of expertise and knowledge regarding products, markets, transportation, insurance, infrastructure, and Customs procedures. It is a complex cocktail of processes, both physical and digital, that keeps goods moving across borders and through markets. The Dutch know a thing or two about logistics as the small country is the world’s fifth-largest exporter of goods and eighth-largest importer. The Netherlands is a strategic transportation hub with an advanced infrastructure and an innovation climate that both rank among the best in the world. A staggering 40% of all exports from China are routed via the Netherlands and Dutch expertise in fresh chain logistics is second-to-none. The Port of Rotterdam is the No.1 Chinese port in Europe, with 25% of all containers handled there being Chinese – hardly surprising when Rotterdam accounts for close to 40% of container between China and Europe.
A world-class logistics infrastructure, with highly-efficient sea, air, rail, road, and inland shipping networks reaching deep into the European continent (the Netherlands is one of the leading road transport nations in Europe and the largest inland shipper) and three deep-water ports connecting to the rest of the world, makes the Netherlands unbeatable as a European and global business destination. The 15,000 foreign-owned companies – from global giants to fast-growing innovators – that have already decided to locate here, bear this out.
Networks: Physical and Digital
In the low-lying delta of the Netherlands, networking is second-nature. In our centuries-long struggle with the sea and rivers, it is only through communicating, working together for common goals and creating an efficient infrastructure that we have managed to secure our environment and thrive. Fast-forward to the 21st Century and the same is true. Matching our impressive physical infrastructure is a leading-edge digital infrastructure. The Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) is the world’s leading data traffic hub, both by number of members and total traffic. Roughly one-third of all European data centers are located in the Amsterdam area and take advantage of AMS-IX.
The Netherlands provides a logical base for eCommerce businesses via its dynamic and thriving digital community. The World Economic Forum ranks the Netherlands in 6th place worldwide in terms of ICT infrastructure and, on average, the country has the fastest internet speeds in Europe and 2nd-highest broadband quality. Some 60% of all Forbes 2000 Companies active in the IT industry have already established operations in the Netherlands. This includes global IT companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, Interxion, Infosys, Huawei, Oracle, Intel, IBM, Verizon, and Google, all of whom tap into the unparalleled IT infrastructure, competitive tax climate and a tech-savvy, English-speaking workforce. The majority of these companies were assisted by the NFIA and its Invest in Holland network.
Our human networks are still just as active and relevant today as they have ever been and for companies looking to expand their businesses or set up operations in Europe, The Invest in Holland network provides a continuum of free, confidential services and support. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) joined forces with the various regional economic development agencies and several major cities under the Invest in Holland label in 2015.
The services and support that the Invest in Holland network can offer foreign organizations include:
• Fast and confidential provision of up-to-date information on the Netherlands, Dutch legislation and regulations, and possible incentives from the Dutch government
• Personal guidance with, e.g., finding and visiting potential investment locations
• Bringing foreign organizations in contact with relevant business partners and government bodies
• Concrete solutions that simplify and optimize location in the Netherlands
• Contribution to the maintenance and improvement of the investment climate
An operational unit of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the NFIA is your first port of call. The NFIA, however, does not operate in isolation. Under the label Invest in Holland, we connect you with an extensive array of business partners, regional economic development organizations and government institutions to facilitate your international expansion. The Invest in Holland network is a highly-motivated and enthusiastic team consisting of the NFIA, regional economic development agencies, and several major cities.
⬆Amsterdam
Strengths & Stability
Is should perhaps come as no surprise to learn that the Netherlands is one of the six original founders of the European Community, thus playing a key strategic role in its development. The Netherlands’ liberal and cooperative culture is also evident in its dealings within the EU; building bridges and forming partnerships on focused topics, and always geared towards pragmatic solutions – very much a defining characteristic of Dutch culture.
Taxes & Incentives.With an investment-friendly corporate income tax system, accessible and transparent tax authorities, attractive innovation and R&D incentives and an extensive treaty network, the Netherlands provides one of the best business climates in Europe for international companies to establish their operations. The Dutch tax ruling practice has a track record of 30+ years of being fully in line with OECD standards. Furthermore, thanks to the Netherlands’ stable government and highly accessible and cooperative tax administration, companies can feel confident that any adjustments will be implemented in such a way that maintains attractiveness for foreign investors, minimizes impediments for business and guarantees cooperation and transparency from tax authorities.
A reverse-charge mechanism on imports delivers certain cash-flow advantages for exporters. Due to its special position as a distribution country within the EU, the Netherlands has implemented the so-called ‘reverse-charge mechanism’ on imports, which provides a complete deferment of import VAT to the periodical VAT filing. Pursuant to the application of this reverse-charge mechanism, import VAT is declared on the periodic return and reclaimed in the same form. As a result, the VAT at point of import is generally deferred.
Dutch Customs Authorities: a practical and pro-active approach.Goods that are brought into the European Union (EU) are, from the time of their entry, subject to customs supervision and are required to meet the stipulations specified in EU customs legislation. The Customs Inspector understands the importance of a reliable government partner for business enterprises. Where the import and export of goods is concerned, he is open to consultation in order to find the most suitable customs arrangements for your company. The Dutch Customs authorities are renowned for their practical and pro-active approach towards facilitating international trade and optimizing customs procedures.
Supportive R&D Incentives.Nearly 14.3 billion euros was spent on Research & Development (R&D) in 2016 by the enterprises, institutions and the higher education sector, the highest expenditure on R&D ever recorded in the Netherlands. The country has the third-highest number of patent applications per million habitants in Europe and actively promotes engaging in research and development activities in the country through a favorable corporate tax system and specific R&D tax incentives that support innovation throughout the entire R&D life cycle. The following measures may significantly lower a company’s R&D cost and taxable base:
• R&D Tax Credit (WBSO)
Companies performing particular R&D activities may benefit from a 32% reduction (up to 40% for startups) of the first €350,000 in R&D wage costs and other R&D expenses and investments, and 14% for those costs exceeding €350,000.
• Innovation Box
Companies may benefit from an effective tax rate of only 7% for income from intangible assets— including technological innovations—created by the Dutch taxpayer and for which an R&D tax credit was received.
Centers of Excellence.The compact physical size of the Netherlands, combined with outstanding, world-class research and education institutes, results in thriving industry clusters with a strong focus on knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
With over 2,900 innovative life sciences and health organizations, the Netherlands boasts one of the most concentrated life sciences regions in the world with exports totaling 5.7 million euros annually. As one of the most connected countries in Europe, the Netherlands is also a leading hotspot for IT and communications companies. It is home to the most advanced cyber security cluster and one of the most advanced markets of data centers in Europe.
Presence in China
The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency has been operating in China for more than 13 years. To date, Chinese companies have established more than 600 direct investment enterprises in the Netherlands, creating nearly 15,000 local jobs. During Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte’s recent visit to China, in April, the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) was celebrated in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.
⬆The Hague
Open Door
During the visit, it was my great pleasure to present the “Invest in Holland” Outstanding Contribution Award to 16 Chinese companies, in recognition of creating employment opportunities in the Netherlands through direct investment. The 16 companies are: Opple, ZPMC, Hikvision, Genscript, Donghua Chain, Perfect World, Hanergy, Navinfo, HEAD Aerospace, Ninebot, Nuctech, Huawei Technologies, Ausnutria, CIMC, BYD and HKC. The direct investment of Chinese enterprises in the Netherlands has contributed significantly to the development of the local economy and has played an important role in the Sino-Dutch bilateral economic and trade. I look forward to watching these European-located Chinese enterprises prosper and grow and extend a hand of welcome and an open invitation to other Chinese companies looking to set up in Europe and invest in the Netherlands.
40 years of Excellence
For 40 years, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, an operational unit of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, has assisted more than 4,000 companies from some 50 countries to orientate, settle and thrive in the Netherlands. By providing customized advice, relevant to each specific company and sector, the NFIA, together with the Invest in Holland network, assists every step of the way, paving the way for companies to allow them to get up and running as rapidly and seamlessly as possible.
中文版：
荷兰是欧洲共同体的六个创始成员国之一，自由、合作的文化特色使其在欧盟事务中能够进行多方协调，达成务实的解决方案，促成合作的结果
文|倪景润(Jeroen Nijland)荷兰外商投资局局长 翻译|王晓波 供图|荷兰外商投资局
● 贸易的先驱者
● 先进的物流设施
● 交通与数字网络系统
● 投资优势
● 荷兰外商投资局在中国
● 欢迎来自中国的投资
● 四十年的辉煌历史
荷兰参与国际商业和贸易的历史非常悠久，早在17世纪时，它就成为了全球主要的贸易国，荷兰人常将其称为“黄金世纪”，而且荷兰被认为是世界上第一个真正的现代经济体。
贸易的先驱者
造船业的技术革命使荷兰在航运业具备了竞争优势，因此17世纪中期时芬兰就成为了贸易强国。商船舰队从遥远辽阔的亚洲和美洲运回了异国情调的香料和奢侈品，并且使阿姆斯特丹成为全球贸易的中心。公司股票这一概念也是荷兰人的发明，它由东印度贸易公司率先在阿姆斯特丹证券交易所发行。可以说，贸易和国际商业的意识已经在荷兰人的基因中根深蒂固。
今天的形势依然如此，荷兰现在仍是许多国家的重要贸易伙伴，荷兰国内生产总值的50%都来自外汇收入。这主要得益于我们在欧洲所处的战略位置。著名的商业期刊《福布斯》杂志将荷兰排在“最适合经商国家”的第三位。敦豪速递公司（DHL）在全球连通性指数中排名第一。荷兰位于欧洲中心，是通往欧洲各市场的最佳基地，95%的欧洲最盈利消费市场距离鹿特丹或阿姆斯特丹的路程都不超过24小时。这使得荷兰成为一个理想的起始地，由此开启面向欧洲乃至全球市场的商业活动。
先进的物流设施
任何国家和国际业务的运营都离不开物流：它是与商品、市场、运输、保险、基础设施和清关程序有关的专业知识和技能的综合体现。它就像调制鸡尾酒的过程那么复杂，并且需要多种成分，包括实体和数据，才能使货物在各国边境和市场间流动。荷兰人在物流方面非常精明强干，因为荷兰虽然是个小国，但却是世界第五大货物出口国和第八大进口国。荷兰地处欧洲交通枢纽的位置，拥有全球领先的基础设施和创新氛围。高达40%的中国出口货物都要途经荷兰，而荷兰在生鲜链物流方面的技术也堪称世界第一。鹿特丹港是中国在欧洲使用率最高的港口，这里25%的集装箱都来自中国。
国际一流的物流基础设施、直抵欧洲大陆的高效的海上、空中、铁路、公路和内河航运网络（荷兰是欧洲主要的公路运输国之一，也是最大的内陆运输国）和三个连接世界各地的深水港，使荷兰当之无愧地成为欧洲和全球商贸的目地国。有15000家外国公司已经在荷兰落户，他们中既有世界巨头，也有快速成长的创新型公司。
交通与数字网络系统
由于荷兰地势低洼，因此完善的交通网络是必不可少的条件。几百年来面对四周汹涌的大江大河，我们唯有凭借有效的基础设施网络才能保护环境，并走向繁荣发展。进入二十一世纪后，形势依然如此。我们在拥有先进的交通基础设施后，又构建了领先的数字基础设施。阿姆斯特丹互联网交易所（AMS-IX）是处于全球前沿地位的数据交通枢纽，其成员数和交易量都名列世界前茅。全欧洲约三分之一的数据中心都位于阿姆斯特丹一带，并且享受到了阿姆斯特丹互联网交易所为他们提供的便利。
荷兰凭借其充满活力和蓬勃发展的数字社区成为了电子商务企业的理想之选。世界经济论坛在信息和通信技术基础设施方面把荷兰列在世界第六位。总体来讲，荷兰在欧洲的网速是最快的，宽带的质量和容量也排在第二位。上榜福布斯的所有2000家从事IT行业的公司中，近60%的公司都在荷兰有业务运营，其中包括全球巨头微软、思科、甲骨文、荷兰数据管理公司Interxion、印孚瑟斯、华为、英特尔、美国国际商用机器公司、威瑞森和谷歌，他们对荷兰的电信基础设施、颇具竞争力的税收政策、技术精湛、能讲英语的人材优势都非常青睐。他们中的大多数都得到了荷兰外商投资局及其合作方投资荷兰网的帮助。
我们拥有热情、专业的工作人员，可以为企业在欧洲寻找商机和展开业务给予帮助。在这方面，投资荷兰网可以提供持续、免费、保密的服务和支持。2015年，荷兰外商投资局开始联手各区域经济发展机构和几个主要城市，共同在投资荷兰网这一平台上为外国企业提供帮助。
投资荷兰网能够为外国企业提供的服务和支持包括：
● 快速、保密地提供有关荷兰、荷兰的法律法规以及荷兰政府将出台的奖励政策的最新信息；
● 单独具体的引导，比如，寻找和考察潜在的投资目的地；
● 帮助外国企业与本地相关的业务合作伙伴和政府机构建立联系；
● 简化外国企业在荷兰的选址程序，并为他们提供最佳的解决方案；
● 持续维护和改善投资环境；
作为荷兰经济事务和气候政策部的执行部门，荷兰外商投资局是你们前来荷兰时第一个需要接洽的机构。不过，它并不是单独运作，在投资荷兰网的平台上，你们可以有机会结识大量的业务合作伙伴、区域经济发展组织和政府机关，它们都可以助力你们开发国际业务。投资荷兰网的工作团队非常积极、热情、主动，他们分别来自荷兰外商投资局、区域经济发展机构和几个主要城市。
投资优势
荷兰是欧洲共同体的六个创始成员国之一，因此无疑它在其发展中扮演着关键性的战略角色。荷兰自由、合作的文化特色在欧盟事务中也具有极其重要的作用，因为它能够在共同关注的问题上进行多方协调，并且总能达成务实的解决方案，促成合作的结果——这是荷兰文化的一个显著特征。
税收与激励政策。荷兰的公司所得税制度对投资非常有利，税务机关办事简单透明，对研发和创新提供颇具吸引力的激励政策，各类条约法规齐备完善，所有这些使荷兰成为欧洲最适合国际公司进行商务活动的国家之一。荷兰的税收管理体系保留了三十多年的缴税记录，完全符合经济合作与发展组织的标准。而且由于荷兰的政局稳定，税务管理高度便利和配合，因此外国企业大可放心，无论政策方面有怎样的调整，都会始终保持对境外投资者的吸引力，尽可能减少对营商活动造成的不便，并保证税务机关工作的配合和透明。
荷兰的进口反向收费机制为出口商带来一定的现金流优势。由于荷兰在欧盟内部所处的分配国的特殊位置，它对于进口货物实行了所谓的“反向收费机制”，将全额缴纳进口增值税改为定期申报。实行这一机制后，进口增值税采取了定期申报和定期缴纳的办法，这样一来，它的缴纳时间就可以延后了，而无需在进口时一次性缴清。
荷兰海关：工作积极、主动、务实。货物自进入欧盟开始就必须接受海关的监管，并且要符合欧盟海关法规的具体规定。海关检查人员非常清楚值得信赖的政府机构对企业的重要性。对货物的进出口来说，他们会回答任何相关咨询，并且帮助企业找到最佳的清关路径。荷兰海关一向以积极务实的态度、努力为国际贸易提供便利和优化海关程序而饱受好评。
对研发的支持性奖励措施：2016年，企业、研究机构和高等院校在研发（R&D）方面投入的经费达到了近143亿欧元，这是荷兰历史上研发方面的最高记录。荷兰在欧洲国家中每百万居民的专利申请数量位居第三。国家对研发工作大力提倡，为其提供了优惠的公司税制和具体的税收奖励措施，对研发所有环节的创新举措都给予积极支持。下面这些措施能够极大地降低企业的研发成本和缴税支出：
● 研发税收抵免
从事研发的公司在研发方面的工资、其它支出和投资上的费用在不超过35万欧元的范围内可以享受32%的税收抵免（初创公司可以享受到40%的抵免）；超过35万欧元的部分，享受14%的税收抵免。
● 创新
企业从无形资产中获得的收益仅需缴纳7%的有效税率——包括技术创新，并且仍可享受研发的税收抵免政策。
绝佳的地理位置。荷兰优越的地理位置以及优秀的、世界一流的研究院所和教育机构助力其产业集群得到了蓬勃发展，并且在发展过程中将重点放在了分享知识和互相协作。荷兰拥有2900多个创新型生命科学和健康组织，是世界上最集中的生命科学区域之一，每年这方面的出口达到了570万欧元。同时，作为欧洲与其他国家连接最紧密的一个国家，荷兰还是IT和通信公司首选的热点地区。它是最先进和安全的网络集群所在地，也是欧洲最先进的数据中心之一。
⬆荷兰鹿特丹
荷兰外商投资局在中国
荷兰外商投资局在中国成立已经超过十三年了。迄今为止，中国公司在荷兰成立了600多家直接投资企业，为当地提供了近15000个就业岗位。今年四月在荷兰首相马克·吕特访问中国期间，荷兰外商投资局在杭州、上海、北京和广州等地举办了庆祝成立四十周年的活动。
欢迎来自中国的投资
在首相访问中国时，我有幸向十六家中国公司颁发了“投资荷兰”杰出贡献奖，感谢他们通过直接投资为荷兰创造的就业机会。这十六家公司是：欧普照明、上海振华港口机械公司、海康威视、金瑞斯生物科技、东华链条、完美世界、汉能薄膜、四维图新、和德航宇、Ninebot、同方威视、华为科技、澳优乳业、中集集团、比亚迪和惠科股份。中国企业对荷兰的直接投资对当地经济的发展做出了极大贡献，也在中国与荷兰双边经贸关系中发挥了重要作用。我由衷地希望看到这些落户欧洲的中国企业不断发展壮大，同时也热切欢迎其他的中国公司来欧洲，特别是荷兰，开展业务和进行投资。
四十年的辉煌历史
作为荷兰经济事务和气候政策部的执行机构，荷兰外商投资局已经对来自五十个国家的4000多家公司在荷兰寻找商机、落户和发展提供了帮助。针对每个公司的具体特点和需求，荷兰外商投资局与投资荷兰网一道，给予他们个性化的建议，扶持他们前行的每一步，使他们能够快速起步并不失时机地发展起来。（编辑：张梅）