The proposed severe cuts in international cooperation will have far-reaching consequences for Dutch business.

Dutch earning power is inextricably linked to the rest of the world. According to CBS, the Netherlands earns about a third of its national income from foreign trade. The new outline agreement rightly states that Dutch companies, large and small, should be able to continue exporting and that Dutch industry is of great importance to our earning capacity. While more focus and a critical look at taxpayer money spending are good, the proposed severe cuts in international cooperation will have far-reaching consequences for Dutch business.

Dutch businesses and consumers benefit from international stability

Whichever way you look at it, the prosperity of everyone in the Netherlands benefits when things go well abroad. The current geopolitical situation puts pressure on international supply chains and thus the earning power of the Netherlands. Stability abroad is important for Dutch companies, almost all of which are part of global value chains. Even if not directly, there are always suppliers of goods, raw materials, products or services abroad with which Dutch companies are closely connected. Dutch companies want to be reliable partners and benefit from stable customers and suppliers. Disruption abroad leads to disruptions in these chains, resulting in non-delivery of goods resulting in losses for Dutch companies, reduced employment and declining purchasing power in the Netherlands.

A broad government commitment, including international cooperation and a good embassy network that has a view of the local context, is necessary for companies to do business successfully abroad. A combined aid and trade agenda results in the Netherlands being and remaining a welcome partner abroad. This good positioning, carefully built up over decades, is essential for successful business abroad. In particular, sectors in which the Netherlands has expertise to offer, such as water management, logistics, healthcare and agriculture - sectors also mentioned in the outline agreement - benefit from this unique approach.

In a world where international supply chains are becoming increasingly important for our country's prosperity, good cooperation between business, government and NGOs is crucial. This cooperation ensures stability and resilience, enabling Dutch companies to operate successfully in the global market. Therefore, we call on the coalition to continue to support our Dutch approach, knowledge and expertise with sufficient resources. For livelihood security now and later, here and elsewhere.

Signed by:

Jan-Willem Scheijgrond

Chair UN Global Compact NL | Vice President Global Government & Public Affairs Philips

Merei Wagenaar

Executive Director UN Global Compact NL