Promising sectors and business etiquette

Where the Netherlands and India meet in business, and how to avoid misunderstandings.

Cooperation between the two countries centres on water and delta technology, agriculture and horticulture, ports and logistics, health and life sciences, energy and high tech, including semiconductors. In the other direction, Indian IT, pharmaceutical and steel companies are major investors in the Netherlands. RVO and the embassy publish current opportunities per sector.

In India the relationship comes before the deal: take your time, expect several meetings and respect hierarchy, because decisions are taken at the top. A direct 'no' is unusual; 'we will try' can be a polite refusal. The Dutch get to the point quickly, disagree openly in meetings and expect agreements and deadlines to be taken literally. So state expectations out loud and put them in writing.

Useful links

• RVO rvo.nl
  Country information on India and opportunities per sector.
• Invest in Holland (NFIA) investinholland.com
  For Indian companies setting up in the Netherlands.
• Invest India investindia.gov.in
  India's investment agency, with sector information.