The Netherlands more competitive
The Netherlands has moved up one place in the list of the most competitive countries in the world, and now ranks 7th in the World Economic Forum's annual global competitiveness assessment for 2011-2012.
Global competitive report
Switzerland once again tops the The Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012, released in September 2011 by the World Economic Forum. Singapore took 2nd position and Sweden 3rd.
The Netherlands managed to climb up one position to 7th, as opposed to many other European countries which dropped down the list. France dropped three places to 18th and Germany fell one place to 6th.
Gateway to Europe
The quality of the Dutch infrastructure is ranked among the best in the world, reflecting its role as a true gateway to the European continent. The report is a boon for The Netherlands and the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (AMA); reflecting that the AMA has access to the most attractive worldwide customer markets.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is centrally located which means a mere two hours flying time to a large number of crucial European business destinations. From Amsterdam, high-speed rail services also connect you to Paris and Brussels within hours. The Port of Amsterdam ranks fourth in Europe, with easy, direct connections by rail, road and water.
ICT infrastructure
Digitally speaking, Amsterdam is very well connected too. The Amsterdam Internet hub, AMS-IX, is the largest data transport hub in the world. Fibre optics transport data in real time to an increasing number of large and small networks, portals and web farms. It is therefore no surprise that the Netherlands is the second most densely cabled country in the world. The AMA is rapidly becoming the software and IT capital of Europe. Of all the Forbes 2,000 companies active in ICT, more than 50% have an office in the AMA.
Related topics
World Economic Forum rates Netherland’s competitiveness
Benefits of setting up shop in the Amsterdam Area
- Tell a friend
