The Netherlands has launched the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) from July 1 to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets and developing countries including Pakistan.
“It will create new local jobs and increase the production capacity of the local industry, and Pakistani SMEs should take benefit of this scheme to promote business activities,” said Marcel de Vink, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan, while addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
He said the Dutch CBI programme also supports exchange of technical experts from Netherlands to Pakistan in 27 sectors of economy, adding that Pakistani businessmen should avail this programme, especially to promote exports.
He said Netherlands is the 5th largest trading country in the world, but its bilateral trade with Pakistan of around US$ 900 million was far below the true potential of both countries and efforts should be made to improve two-way trade as there exists huge potential for it.
The Dutch Ambassador identified water, agriculture, logistics and energy as the four main potential areas of cooperation between the two countries.
He resolved to increase the bilateral trade up to at least $1billion in the near future. He said the visit of the Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Lilianne Ploumen to Pakistan in May 2014 along with a business delegation reflected the keen interest of Netherlands to increase bilateral trade with Pakistan.
