1. The Netherlands

2. Established 1815 Size: 2x New Jersey Population: 16 Million (compared to 319 Million US population) Capital – Amsterdam 12 Provinces (Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland) but NOT called Holland Monarchy : King Willem- Alexander

3. History The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.

4. People  Language – Dutch & Fresian  Ik hou van jou (Dutch)  Ik bin fereale op dy (Fresian)  Religions – 41% none, 31% Roman Catholic, 13% Dutch Reformed, and 15% other  Tall – average height 6’1  Blunt  Modest

5. Strange Facts  Invented Gin  70% of the worlds bacon  Bicycle capital for the world 18 million  First Country to legalize same sex marriage in 2001

6. Do’s  - be direct and concise. They do not perceive this as rude. This includes small talk. It is not necessary in the Netherlands.  - expect to be called by your first name, and you may feel comfortable to do the same.  - be punctual. This is very important.  - avoid pretention. Dress conservatively. Avoid bragging.  - stick to the agenda for the meeting.  - include education (BS, MBA, etc) on business cards. The Dutch value education.

7. Don’t  do not ever ask about pay!  - do not argue using emotions. Support all your arguments with facts and figures.  - do no inquire about the personal lives of business associates. They are private people.  - do not give praise or reprimands in public. Both are done privately.  - don't refer to the Netherlands as Holland!  - do not give expensive gifts to your business partners. Your generosity may be perceived as a bribe.  - do not chew gum in public. This is considered rude.  - do not talk with your hands in your pocket. This is also considered rude.

8. Business Exports  Food  Machinery and equipment  Chemicals  Fuel Imports  Machines  Transport equipment  Chemicals  Fuels  Foodstuffs  Clothing

9. Training Plan To process their natural resources, vocational training in the following areas: Machine operation Machine repair Manufacturing facilities Maintenance Worker Median pay $44,160 or (E 33,906) Average pay for Mechanical Engineer is E 35,896)

10. Training Plan cont.  Elementary school CITO test  High School – student selects either  VMBO – 4 years - 60% practical vocational training  HAVO – 5 years – 1-2 years vocational followed by university or enter work force. Often an agricultural focus. Instead add machine repair.  VWO- 6 years university  Agricultural focus > machine repair.  On the job training / apprenticeship

11. References  Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands  www.economywatch.com www.economywatch.com  www.payscale.com www.payscale.com  Bureau of Labor and Statistics