Minister Heemskerk Welcomes Brazilian Petrobras to Holland

Oil Company Opens New Office in Rotterdam

A fine day for Petrobras and a fine day for Holland. That’s what Minister for Foreign Trade Heemskerk concluded on Monday 1 February 2010, after the opening of the Brazilian oil company’s new office in Rotterdam.

“It is such a fine day because it’s not every day that I welcome one of the biggest companies in the world to our country”, says Heemskerk. According to the Minister for Foreign Trade Petrobras’ choice for Holland shows that its investment climate is favorable. “I hope that other Brazilian companies will follow the good example set by Petrobras.”

The opening ceremony was attended by the CEO of Petrobras, Sergio Gabrielli, and Mayor Aboutaleb of Rotterdam.

Example
On the list of  biggest companies worldwide, Brazilian Petrobras ranks 34 with a turnover of US$ 128 billion. According to Heemskerk, the oil concern is an example of how the Brazilian economy is doing. “Despite the crisis, the Brazilian economy is growing 5 percent annually. That is a growth rate we’re rather jealous of, I must admit”, says Heemskerk at the opening.

Investor
The relation between Holland and Brazil is good, Heemskerk emphasized during the opening ceremony. “Dutch companies have already found their way to Brazil. We are the second largest investor in this South American country.”

Brazil is one of the priority countries for the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Minister Heemskerk will visit the country again this Autumn with on an economic trade mission. Heemskerk first travelled to Brazil in April 2008, and visited the Petrobras headquarters at the time as well.

Petrobras will invest half a million Euros in the coming three years. The new office will offer 15 new jobs.

Source: Ministry of Economic Affairs

February 1, 2010