The history of Turkey and the Netherlands stretches back to the 17th century, when the first representative of the States-General was sent to the Sublime Porte. Relations between the two have continued ever since, further cemented by Turkish guest workers in the ’60s and’70s. Thereafter, the number of Turkish workers in the Netherlands increased rapidly.
Today Turks comprise the largest group of non-Dutch-origin entrepreneurs in the Netherlands; approximately 15,000 companies have been established by the Turkish-Dutch. In total these companies employ about 50,000 people.
As of 2011, Turks form the largest ethnic minority group in the Netherlands and number around 400,000. as for other aspects of diplomatic ties, the Netherlands is an important political, economic and cultural partner of Turkey.
In the economic field, bilateral trade has been developing strongly over years. Trade volume between Turkey and the Netherlands jumped from $2 billion to almost $6 billion between 1999 and 2010. As of 2011, 25,800 companies with foreign capital were operating in Turkey from which the Netherlands accounts for the largest number of foreign investments in Turkey, with 1894 Dutch-origin companies operating in the country. These companies include old big names , such as Philips, Unilever, ING bank and Shell.
Large Dutch developers such as Corio, Redevco, Vastned and MultiTurkmall are either undertaking new commercial projects or acquiring local companies and real estate whereas engineering firms such as Grontmij and Bartels have opened up local offices, as well. Furthermore, there are a lot of smaller Dutch origin companies which are specialized in the construction and marketing of residential projects in resort regions.
A close look at these companies’ activities indicates us that real estate development, financial services, ICT, maritime industry, textile, wholesale and retail trade, machinery and plastics branches are most prominent sectors in Turkey for Dutch investors.
Moreover, as the Netherlands is renowned worldwide in other sectors such as water and delta technology, transportation infrastructure, environment, renewable energy, biotechnology, agriculture and food processing. Turkey offers valuable opportunities in these areas both as a large market with further growth potential, but it may also serve as a manufacturing base as well as a gateway to neighbouring regions.
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