Liesbeth Staps, Executive Director NFIA UK and Ireland, shares her views on 2009 and the prospects for 2010.

"One of the key strengths of the NFIA is our ability to help
speed-up “time to market” when taking up investment
projects again."

With strong financial sectors in both London and Dublin, the UK and Irish economies have been badly hit by the recession. This has, understandably, made many companies very cautious about committing to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Big investment projects often require external financing but since this has not been readily available, some projects have been postponed. Although we have seen some projects proceed, where the bank contracts were already in place, it has been a tough year.

However, interest in FDI is now picking up. We are getting more enquiries and companies are becoming more willing to look at expansion opportunities again. Many larger companies are reviewing their organisational set-up, as they look to become more efficient and the Netherlands is keen to help them. The Dutch Government is very forward looking and is putting in place regulatory changes that will make the Netherlands even more competitive.

The NFIA will continue to raise awareness of the opportunities provided by the Dutch business environment and any regulatory changes. Post-recession, the international business market is changing and it is really important that companies are well informed.

We will also continue to support companies who are already in the Netherlands – they are very important to us and we will be doing more to help them strengthen their operations in the Netherlands.

So, in 2010, I expect a number of projects that have been put on hold to be taken up again, particularly in the business services and energy sectors.  One of the key strengths of the NFIA is our ability to help speed-up “time to market”. We can very quickly put companies in touch with the people they need – so they can be ready to go when the economy picks up.