Many Dutch entrepreneurs and researchers work abroad and invest abroad, and many foreign companies also invest in the Dutch economy. Commerce and investment lead to growth and create jobs. The Dutch government and in particular the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, BUZA) strive to increase opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs on foreign markets.
The government wants to achieve this through a new policy for international enterprise that responds more effectively to the needs of businesses. The main element of this policy is that there will be fewer subsidies, while efforts will be concentrated in economic diplomacy.
The government also wishes to help SME start-ups to operate on the international market. Policy will be developed in close cooperation with business.