MEB Trade Mission to the Netherlands returns energised by innovation spirit

Monaco Economic Board (MEB) was in Amsterdam and The Hague, 21-24 November, one of the most economically dynamic countries in Europe. A successful, inspiring and productive visit.

Sixteen member companies accompanied MEB on a Trade Mission to the Netherlands that had been prepared last April at a conference led by Florian Carquillat, Deputy Director of the France Netherlands Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The goal was to respond on a case by case basis to the varying expectations of Monegasque entrepreneurs.

The Monaco Embassy for Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and the European Union was very involved throughout the events, led by the Ambassador H.E. Mr Frederic Labarrère, and was very attentive to ensure each company had a successful visit.

A packed and varied programme started with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the France Netherlands CCI and MEB before a comprehensive presentation on Amsterdam’s economy by a body in charge of attracting investment and partnerships in this region.

The trip continued with a very informative tour of the Booking.com headquarters, one of the most famous Dutch companies in the world and a fine example of how a startup moved from a good idea to becoming the world leader in accommodation bookings.

The day ended in the historic Heineken headquarters where targeted one-on-one meetings were organised with Dutch entrepreneurs selected in advance as being of interest to the visiting companies from Monaco.

Next day took the delegation to The Hague, starting with the Titaan innovation hub founded by Monaco resident, Hendrik Halbe. A talent incubator it concentrates companies capable of making a difference with original robust projects in collaboration with a higher education management school. MonacoTech represented by its director Sandrine Sauval was particularly interested.

Other highlights were the visit to Campus at Sea, a public/private institution focused on the exchange of new technologies linked to the sea, where companies can trial their inventions at scale in the North Sea. SMEG took the opportunity to highlight the Principality’s advanced expertise in heat pumps. The Monaco Chamber of Renewable Energy and Ecology made very interesting contacts, while the innovative Monaco companies Mindus and Dazerolab also had the opportunity to pitch on this occasion.

The trip ended at the headquarters of TotalEnergies in the Netherlands which specialises in research and implementation of proven alternative fossil fuels.  This time it was the Dietsmann company, well-known in the Principality which made a presentation that was noted by the managers of TotalEnergies, a glimpse of possible collaborations, while all the Monaco companies present were able to meet valuable contacts during the evening.

After the success of this mission, Monaco Economic Board looks forward to a comparable mission to Riyad in Saudi Arabia planned for January 2024.