On September 23 2003, the Prime Ministers of Canada and The Netherlands, Jean Chrétien and Jan Peter Balkenende, signed a “Joint Declaration on the Strengthening of the Bilateral Relations” as well as an “Understanding on Youth Exchanges”.

The declarations aspire to intensify governmental consultations between the two countries and reinforce co-operation in the economic, commercial, cultural, scientific and educational fields.

The fact that the declarations were signed by the Prime Ministers of both countries in person is exceptional and a token of the warmth of the friendly relations between Canada and The Netherlands and the commitment to further strengthening their relations.

Convinced that each side has much to learn from innovative policies adopted by the other, Canada and The Netherlands will hold an annual seminar on an issue of mutual interest, with particular but not exclusive emphasis on questions of social and economic policy. The Governments of Canada and The Netherlands will pursue the objective of further developing their bilateral economic, commercial, scientific and technological relations.

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Canada in the Netherlands
Canadian investments in the Netherlands are relatively small, but still total approximately CAN$7 billion.
Most Canadian firms investing in the Netherlands are involved in information and communication technology and services. Other industries in which Canadian companies invested include biotechnology, agriculture, medical technology, food processing and commercial services. Currently there are over 85 Canadian companies located in the Netherlands.
Large Canadian firms in the Netherlands include McCain, Bombardier, Corel and Cirque Du Soleil.

Canadian exports to the Netherlands totalled about CAN$1,7 billion in 2002. Most exports were in raw materials and half fabricates, although there is also a growing export of computers and electronic equipment to the Netherlands.

In total, over 6300 non Dutch companies have set up operations in the Netherlands over the last 10 years, resulting in the creation of nearly 352.000 jobs. Canadian companies investing in the Netherlands have also been growing with confidence, especially in setting up European distribution centres, call center services, value added logistics and European headquarters.
One of the reasons so many firms come to the Netherlands is the favorable tax climate. Some other reasons can be found here.

The Netherlands in Canada
The Dutch rank among the top five of foreign investors in Canada. Investing a total of $13.7 billion, the Netherlands are the third largest European investor in Canada. Major industries in which the Netherlands invested include insurance, banking, real estate, agriculture, oil winning, manufacturing, and ICT.
Many Dutch multinational firms have offices in Canada, including ING Banking Group, Akzo Nobel, Rabobank, Philips, Unilever, Shell, Nutreco, DSM, and Pink Elephant.

The most important market for Dutch exports is the European Union (almost 80 percent of total exports). Exports to Canada were valued at CAN$1,5 billion in 2002. These exports were mainly machines, fuels, medical equipment, photographic and cinematographic equipment, organic chemical products and the inevitable flowerbulbs.