WTC The Hague: celebration of 15 years WFIA
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS - The availability of a talented workforce is becoming increasingly important for international investors and is an integral part of the business climate. Moreover, access to talent partly determines the choice of business location. These were the conclusions during the 15th anniversary celebration of the WestHolland Foreign Investment Agency (WFIA) at the World Trade Center in The Hague. Previously, the presence of potential business partners, good accessibility and operational costs largely determined the choice of business location. Today, however, labour is often decisive. Prime Minister Mark Rutte was a keynote speaker at the event and underlined the importance of foreign investments for the Dutch economy. Also during the event, Karsten Klein, alderman for Economic Affairs, and Dick Benschop, President Director of Shell Netherlands, held a dialogue on the importance of innovation and how to attract talent and create eco systems in the region.
Mark Rutte: “The Dutch don’t stay anchored in port but travel the world to do business. Staying put behind a desk is not for us. It makes us restless. So we venture out, seeking like-minded people in other countries and entering into countless partnerships. It is good that WFIA recognises and acknowledges this entrepreneurial spirit and helps foreign companies find their way around The Hague or elsewhere in the country. This results in good business relations and especially jobs. And those are more than welcome in the Netherlands.” Karsten Klein, alderman for Economic Affairs: “The city council continues to invest in an attractive environment where innovation and talent can flourish. We build on our reputation as the International City of Peace and Justice and tie in with the strong knowledge clusters we already have here, which include ICT, security and finance. I consider WFIA an important partner in linking the international business community to our ambitions. ” Over the past 15 years, WFIA has helped hundreds of companies set up business in the WestHolland region by providing advice and assistance.
About WFIA
WestHolland Foreign Investment Agency (WFIA), located in WTC The Hague, attracts international companies and organisations and assists them in establishing, expanding or relocating their operations within the Greater The Hague region. In addition, WFIA supports the Municipality of The Hague and The Hague Convention Bureau in attracting international conferences, seminars and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). WFIA was founded in 2000 by a number of cities in The Hague region and over the past 15 years has helped hundreds of companies set up business in the WestHolland region by providing advice and assistance. During this time, WFIA has placed particular focus on the future by developing suitable, sustainable conditions for successfully attracting and retaining foreign companies and investors. WFIA and its colleagues have recently been realising this goal by working through ‘Invest in Holland’, the acquisition platform of the central government. Due to an increasingly competitive international environment, it is vital that through its initiatives and activities WFIA achieves an optimal work and living environment for international workers and their families. WFIA also closely collaborates with various partners, such as the International Community Platform.
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