Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Netherlands-Russian Coucil for Trade Promotion Russia-Netherlands Economic Forum Amsterdam, 7-8 November 2005 B.J.F.M. Zonneveld, ING Bank, Vice-Chairman NRCH

Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Netherlands-Russian Coucil for Trade Promotion  The Netherlands belong to the top 5 in terms of FDI in Russia and in terms of trade  In 2004, the total trade with Russia was 3,18 Bln Euro, an improvement of 15% compared with 2003  However the overall growth with all Russian partners was 24%: Holland has to improve !!! (lagging behind).  Russia provides enough potential, the question is: “how to maintain and improve the Dutch position?” RF-NL Trade Relations

Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Netherlands-Russian Coucil for Trade Promotion  The central lead in Russian economy is setting cooperation activities and coordination between both Governments: “Joint Governmental Committee” (JC) is essential, the bridge of cooperation.  This JC is essential and restating of this importance from the side of the Dutch State side is needed (Dutch market oriented economy; no central lead). We really do need this!  During the visit of the Russian President, last week, the JC has been underlined and will be extended  More support for entrepreneurs, sub-committees for each industrial sector  Special attention should be given to SME’s in order to increase volume of Dutch – Russian trade relations  Question is how to support these typical entrepreneurs on the booming Russian market with all risks involved  We believe that in cooperation with the Dutch Government we can support companies in order to promote small business initiatives by Dutch companies in Russia Cooperation

Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Netherlands-Russian Coucil for Trade Promotion  More than before Dutch and Russian entities are interconnected:  Our relationship with the RF Embassy in The Hague, the RF Trade Representation in Amsterdam, INTRINA and the RF CoC in Brussels has been internally strengthened and interlinked with CoC St.Petersburg, CoC Moscow and the Russian-Dutch Business Council in St.Petersburg  Debate with the Dutch Government has been intensified and leads to Russia as one of the key traders with Holland (India and Turkey as well), so Governmental priorities have been set.  During next three months a new Dutch trade policy in consultation with the Dutch entrepreneur’s societies will be drafted  The visit of President Putin provided for us an important momentum, underlining an active role by the Dutch Government in the trade relations with Russia.  New suggested entities, interlinking entrepreneurs to the joint committee, are not needed, it’s a matter of improving present structures, at least on the Dutch side! Partners

Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Netherlands-Russian Coucil for Trade Promotion Each year at least one Joint Committee session should be held, the next one will be in Moscow; June 2006Each year at least one Joint Committee session should be held, the next one will be in Moscow; June 2006 The Entrepreneurs Platform, supporting the JC, will be integrated. The NRCH will cooperate with VNO-NCW (Confederation of NL Industry and Employers) in advising the Dutch state.The Entrepreneurs Platform, supporting the JC, will be integrated. The NRCH will cooperate with VNO-NCW (Confederation of NL Industry and Employers) in advising the Dutch state. Russian Economic Forum each year, trade missions to Russian regions to be activated, major events around energy to be set and information exchange by ICT facilities.Russian Economic Forum each year, trade missions to Russian regions to be activated, major events around energy to be set and information exchange by ICT facilities. The Dutch ‘face’ to be improved in Russia, not only in St. Petersburg and Moscow, but optional in Samara, Ekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, etc.The Dutch ‘face’ to be improved in Russia, not only in St. Petersburg and Moscow, but optional in Samara, Ekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, etc. “Concrete and straight forward actions” should be the theme for the future of Dutch- Russian business!! Thank you for your attention!“Concrete and straight forward actions” should be the theme for the future of Dutch- Russian business!! Thank you for your attention! Events and face

Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Nederlands-Russisch Centrum voor Handelsbevordering Netherlands-Russian Coucil for Trade Promotion NRCH Secretary: Mr. Michael Roerade   Contact: