October 19, 2016

The assessment performed by the World Economic Forum on an annual basis among 140 countries had brought the Netherlands from 8th to 5th place in the report published for 2015-2016, following Switzerland, Singapore and the USA.

Notwithstanding the fact that certain improvements of the labour and financial markets are still required (financial markets did not fully return to the operating pre-crisis level of 2007, while high costs of hiring and firing personnel, as well as the lack of flexibility in wage formation place strains on Dutch economy), the Netherlands were ranked high for the excellent school system, efficient infrastructure, reliable public administration and permanent focus on innovation.

Currently, the Netherlands are said to be one of the most advanced and innovative economies in the world with competitive and open markets. In addition, the quality of the Dutch government and regulating authorities also contribute to a comfortable competitive environment.