The economy within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is leading the way within the Netherlands. According to economists from ING, the region has been recovering well from the international economic crisis. In the Amsterdam Area, the economy is expected to grow by 1.2% during 2012, whereas ING’s analysts are predicting only 0.5% national growth.
Unemployment levels have not risen substantially and because the international business climate is continuing to improve, economic growth is expected to remain steady within the Amsterdam Area.
Subsequently, Amsterdam remains an attractive location for international businesses, as demonstrated by a higher ranking in the European Cities Monitor. This list ranks the best European cities in which to do business, and in 2011 Amsterdam climbed to fourth place.
The region benefits from a particularly strong service sector. Many ICT service providers are based here, and these companies are expected to reap the benefits of further investment in the sector. ING analysts also expect strong growth in the highly developed creative sector.
Amsterdam climbs to top five of best European cities to do business