Toespraak van minister Kamp bij de Dutch Business Lunch in Kazachstan

Toespraak | 28-11-2014

Ladies and gentlemen,

The world, as you know, is a globalised one. People, goods, money and information move freely from one place to the other. This flow is vital to the health of our nations and the global economy as a whole.

But this flow isn’t new. Global trade is as old as the civilisations and empires that depended on it. The Silk Road, for example, connected China to Europe more than 2000 years ago, leading to a vibrant exchange of culture, religion, science, art and trade.

Kazakhstan was a vital link on this route, so our lunch today is part of a proud and ancient tradition. It is actually my first visit to this beautiful country and I am accompanied by a trade mission of 30 people from 21 companies. Instead of silk and jade, they are bringing cutting-edge expertise from the oil, gas, maritime and offshore industries.

This past week we have been to Atyrau, Astana and Almaty. I spoke to various ministers, visited KazMunaiGaz, Samruk-Kazyna and other key companies and attended the Energy Charter Conference. Now we are in Almaty, the financial centre of the Eurasian Economic Community and a springboard for doing business in the wider Central Asian region.

I’m impressed by this country’s landscapes and its eagerness to open up to the world. My meetings and visits have shown me that Kazakhstan offers great opportunities for Dutch companies. The Kazakh economy, forecast to grow by 4.5% this year, is expected to remain strong in the foreseeable future.

Not only Kazakhstan is growing very fast. This morning I had a breakfast meeting with representatives of the financial sector and I learned more about what makes Central Asia one of the fastest growing regions in the world.

As I said before there are a lot of opportunities for Dutch companies, not only in oil and gas, but also in agriculture, waste and water management. The transport and logistics industry also has interesting potential. For example, because of the New Silk Road, a prestigious project, which will connect Western China with Western Europe along a 1,700 mile highway that will run through Kazakhstan.

I am very impressed by the activities of Dutch companies here in Kazakhstan. Those active in the Caspian sea region, in Atyrau and Aktau, operate under harsh weather conditions and that is no small feat.

But also in Almaty I see the Dutch entrepreneurial spirit. This morning I visited the KBTU, the country’s leading technical university. I am proud that the Scheepvaart en Transport College in Rotterdam is assisting the KBTU in setting up a maritime academy in Kazakhstan.

Today, Kazakhstan is a valued partner of the Netherlands. In fact, we are one of the biggest foreign investors in Kazakhstan and exports are €440 million and growing. Currently, some 60 Dutch companies – SMEs and multinationals – are doing business here.

Bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Kazakhstan are very good and are gaining momentum. During President Nazarbayev’s visit to the Netherlands last March an MOU was signed on setting up a Joint Business Council. The Council’s first meeting was held this Wednesday in Astana, bringing together businesses from both our countries. I sincerely hope that the Council will help its members to create opportunities and discuss obstacles.

The MOU is one of the results of our economic diplomacy, a cornerstone of Dutch foreign policy. The Dutch government - together with our Embassies, Consulates and trade offices around the world - helps Dutch companies to export, invest and do business abroad. Your success is key to ongoing economic growth in the Netherlands.

My visit and our trade delegation are part of our efforts to smooth trade and investments between the Netherlands and Kazakhstan. If you feel that you need different or better support from us, please let me know. I am open to your suggestions and feedback. And you can also always contact our Embassy in Astana and the office here in Almaty. We are here to assist you. And I’m confident that events like this business lunch will help you as well.

For now, I wish you an enjoyable and fruitful lunch. Thank you.