The Netherlands have always been heavily engaged in world trade, going back to the days of the Dutch East India Company. Services account for 80% of GDP – Amsterdam is the business and financial centre, whilst Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port is, like Barcelona, a major logistics hub. Manufacturing – particularly petro-chemicals and food processing represents about 20% of GDP, whilst the highly efficient agricultural sector (4%) exports large quantities of flowers, and vegetables. Dutch GDP/head is significantly higher than in Germany, Spain and the UK. Economic growth, helped by the recovery in world trade, is currently running at around 3%. |
Flower auction
Each day, E 6 m. worth – most of Holland’s output - are sold via a fast-moving electronic auction process in a building covering 145 football pitches. Pottery maker
world-famous, collector-quality, hand-painted products. Now entering new markets. Shares are listed.
Storm surge barrier
A pair of massive moveable barriers, like two Eiffel towers, protect Rotterdam from the growing risk of a tidal surge – cost/benefit analysis in action.
Shipping container handling facility
Highly-automated operation, through which passes 75% of Rotterdam’s container traffic – and Rotterdam is Europe’s biggest port.
Car import terminal
Where many of the cars imported from the Far East are brought ashore, prepared and stored.
International airport
Behind the scenes tour of a 1 million pa passenger airport with an interesting competitive problem. |
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Diamond merchant
How diamonds were formed, how they’re found, how immense value is added by cutting and polishing, and some of the people who wear them..
Heineken Experience
The original brewery now offers tours explaining the company’s history, how the product is brewed and distributed and how its marketing developed.
Industrial Windmills
Before steam propelled Britain’s Industrial Revolution from 1750, windmills powered industrial processes – this Dutch town was the world’s factory, with 600 mills. Visit the few still producing after over 300 years.
Waste & Energy Company
State-of- the-art plant which collects 15m tonnes of waste pa from households and businesses, and burns it to produce heat and electricity for 200,000 homes. |
