Minister of Finance Wouter Bos was presented the first copy of the American Chamber’s 2009 Investors’ Agenda of Priority Points by AmCham President Raoul Oberman. Minister Bos was guest of honor and speaker at a luncheon for Chamber members on May 13. The Priority Points are AmCham’s policy suggestions to the Netherlands’ Government to improve the investment climate in the country. AmCham recommends three broad measures for creating a healthier environment for foreign investors:
A. STIMULATE LABOR FLEXIBILITY:
Ease, simplify and align termination laws, and increase participation of the Dutch workforce by shifting severance funds towards ‘work-to-work’ programs and by unlocking the potential of the senior workforce.
B. UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF INNOVATION:
Increase the success of translating technology into stronger economic performance by adopting the recommendations of the Innovatieplatform; and employ innovations in the virtual infrastructure to reduce congestion and increase mobility.
C. REDUCE THE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN:
Continue the present program, with emphasis on simplicity and competitiveness in tax legislation, and show receptiveness towards new foreign investors with “red carpet” treatment, e.g., via a one-stop shop.
Download the Dutch version of the 2009 Investors' Agenda of Priority Points.
Download the English version of the 2009 Investors' Agenda of Priority Points.