More Foreign Companies Establish In Amsterdam In 2008
Amsterdam Area boosts its attraction in 2008
Last year saw more foreign companies establishing a presence in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area than in previous years, according to amsterdam inbusiness’ annual figures released on 18 March. In 2008 a total 105 companies came to the Amsterdam Area, compared with 94 in 2007 and 86 in 2006.
The majority of companies arriving in 2008 in the Amsterdam Area were from the IT industry (29%), with financial services in second place (22%). There were 41 companies from North America, 33 from elsewhere in Europe, and 31 from Asia.
As a result of the credit crisis it is expected that the growth in the number of international companies locating to the region will fall in 2009 (there are currently 1600) as acquisition becomes more difficult.
But by taking steps such as making money and manpower available to enhance contact with existing international companies in the region, amsterdam inbusiness aims to retain current foreign investors and to stimulate expansion plans.
Investment climate
Amsterdam inbusiness is the organisation of foreign investment agencies of Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (the city itself, plus Almere, Amstelveen and Haarlemmermeer), which have been formally working together since 1 January 2008.
Further improvements to the investment climate have been made, including an extension of the services that are available to expats, development of clusters, and improvements in education.
The Amsterdam Area in 2008 oriented itself particularly to the acquisition of international companies in the creative and advertising sector. This resulted in the establishment of ten new ad agencies and industry-related companies.
Also in 2008 there were a number of companies that were already established in the Netherlands that moved to the Amsterdam region, such as Ernst & Young International Location Advisory Serivces, the Akbank, Endemol, APG and VNU Media.
Facts & figures
Figures for foreign investment for the whole country were released the day before by the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency. The NFIA supported 182 foreign investment projects in 2008, 101 of them initial establishments. Half of the projects originated from Asia and 40% from North America. The total expected investment is € 667 million and will eventually produce 3,300 new direct jobs.
