published in www.nidesk.netRotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and a melting pot of culture and business. Sitting strategically in the banks of rivers Maas and Rhine, the city owns the biggest port in Europe and with two international airports, Schipol and Rotterdam Airport, in close proximity, Rotterdam has established its vital role in Europe’s trade and commerce. It is home to some of the biggest companies in Netherlands including Unilever and Mittal Steel Company N.V., subsidiary of the largest steel company in the world. Among these corporate giants, other businesses and multinationals especially from the banking sector like ABN AMRO and ING are holding offices in Rotterdam.
The key to its continuously booming business activities is the easily accessible modes transportation. Reliable railway systems and road services, in addition to its ports and airports, makes it convenient to transport consumer goods in and out of the country through Rotterdam. It is connected to 31 sister and partner ports around the world, including international business hubs like United States, Japan and China.
Rotterdam’s mix of international residents, almost 50% of its population comprised of foreigners, is a testament to the city’s dedication to its worldwide connection. The city is vibrant with a fusion of different cultures and ideas, reflected in its cultural events and economic activities. Furthermore, on-going development efforts like the construction of the new central station and extension of the main port, make Rotterdam’s position in international trade goes further up the ladder.
The city presents itself to a wide array of business opportunities that promises to widen or jumpstart their European and international reach. The biggest of its industries lies in petrochemical, cargo handling and transshipment. In itself alone, these industries open to a greater number of opportunities in the export/import and logistics field. Rotterdam adheres to world-class standards and strict quality assurance that are vital requirements in order to have strong and lasting business standing. Being an old timer in trading industry, Rotterdam has the capacity of breaking barriers in terms of knowledge and language skills when it comes to trading and commerce in Europe, an advantage that is very important to overseas investors.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is also a booming industry in Rotterdam. As an upshot of its strong financial market, businesses in the field of IT and ICT are flourishing in the city and greater demands for professionals who ensure smooth financial transactions are increasing rapidly.
In addition to this, Rotterdam is also becoming known in the field of animation and development of computer games. Educational institutions related in this field are setting their homes in the city, specifically in Schiecentrale where audio-visual, ICT and film companies like Neon, FunX, RA.NJ, Llink, RTV Rijnmond are located, providing big opportunities for those who are interested in enhancing their skills or starting a business with this industry, whether they come locally or overseas.
The Dutch health care industry also opens up a lot of business opportunities. Erasmus Medical Centre, the third largest medical research institute next to Harvard and John Hopkins, is located in Rotterdam while Bayer; the third largest pharmaceutical company in the world has its headquarters in the neighboring country Germany. Opportunities in the medical sector with these two institutions adjacent to each other are plenty and steady.
Architecture is the next strongest point of Rotterdam next to shipping. In 2007, Rotterdam was named City of Architecture because of its contemporary style in buildings and bridges. Not only it is home to some of the finest modern architectural designs in the Netherlands, it is also where the architects are made. Located in the city are Berlage Institute and Netherlands Architecture Institute, two of the most revered schools in the world.
Aside from its lively economic life, Rotterdam also promises a great deal lifestyle activities with arts and entertainment. The Rotterdam Film Festival is attended by a quarter of a million film enthusiasts yearly, while museums like Volkenkundig Museum caters to local and international visitors.
Living in Rotterdam is also convenient for foreign investors because of its easy access to different historical cities all around Europe, either by bus, trains or planes. Shopping centers and daily/weekly markets and international stores are teeming around the city and one would not have a hard time looking for products when they crave for a taste of home.
These maybe just a fraction of the many business opportunities awaiting investors in the City of Rotterdam and there is a lot more industries to be discovered. But knowing that your business sits in one of the most competitive and stable city in Europe, in terms of politics and finances, you are assured that your valuable investments are well on the way of growing.
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