The Netherlands in top 20 'best for business' list
The Netherlands is one of the best countries for American companies to do business with. Forbes magazine ranks the Netherlands in the top 20 of the ‘Best countries for business’ list.
Best countries
Forbes ranked 134 different countries according to their attractiveness for American companies to do business with.
The magazine looked at 11 different factors including: property rights, innovation, taxes, technology, corruption, freedom, red tape, investor protection and stock market performance.
Doing business
Canada was determined to be the best country for business interaction. The Netherlands ranked 15th and was noted for its stable industrial relations combined with moderate unemployment and inflation. In addition the Netherlands is seen as a very important European transportation hub.
Amsterdam Area
Within the Netherlands, many foreign companies establish themselves in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (AMA). Many firms find the AMA an optimal base to expand into the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region. Here are some reasons why:
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Strategic geographical location: the region has always been a major transit hub for people, goods, capital and services to and from the 350 million potential customers across the European continent.
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Excellent infrastructure: within a 50 km radius there are major port complexes. The region also offers good international rail links, and is close to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
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Largest data transport hub in the world: The Amsterdam Internet Hub (AMS-IX) is the world’s largest and most stable digital exchange platform. It’s also known for its superior quality and low costs.
U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Netherlands proves to be the most popular destination for U.S. foreign direct investment. A possible explanation for the large amount of U.S. investments in the Netherlands is its favourable fiscal climate and international orientation.
Favourable fiscal climate
International companies established in the Netherlands profit from various tax advantages. The current corporate tax rate is well below the EU average: 20% on the first 200,000 euros profit and 25.5% on profits above that amount. A stable political environment provides certainty for future transactions, investments or corporate structures, and gives expatriates a 30% personal tax income advantage. In addition, innovation is fiscally stimulated by the Dutch government.
Related topics
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