Netherlands Business Support Offices (NBSO)

The Netherlands Business Support Offices (NBSOs) comprise a network of 20 offices in 10 countries, set up by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (via NL EVD International) specifically to support Dutch businesses in their international activities. Increasing global demand for products and services presents Dutch exporters and investors with good opportunities. The NBSOs are particularly effective in supporting small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). NBSOs have no diplomatic status, are dedicated exclusively to the promotion of Dutch trade and investment and their activities are coordinated by the local embassies. The services provided by the NBSOs are free of charge.

Each NBSO is staffed by two individuals; a Chief Representative who is fluent in Dutch as well as the local language (and often English too); and a local employee, the Deputy Representative, who is fluent in the local language and in English. Generally, the Chief Representative has a background in international trade in the private sector.

An NBSO office can assist you with the following services:

Responding to trade requests
For this service, the first port-of-call is the Country Officer at the headquarters of NL EVD International in The Hague, the Netherlands. If more specific and detailed local information is required in order to fulfil these requests, which is exclusively available overseas, then this information is subsequemtly acquired through the NBSO.

Market Scan
This service involves a scan of the potential overseas market for a particular Dutch business. It assesses the feasibility of commercialisation of products/services in overseas markets and whether or not specific regulations exist for such commercialisation. Additionally, it provides an overview of trade shows, trade magazines and websites relevant to the particular sector. The purpose of all this is to furnish Dutch businesses with information relating to the best representation method in the country concerned (independent representation, agent, distributor, own office). Subsequently, assistance is provided for the identification and establishment of initial trade contacts. In implementing the rest of the strategy, the NBSO supports entrepreneurs via referrals to both Dutch and local experts who operate commercially.

Economic missions
NBSOs support Dutch organisations in the planning of collective trade activities such as market orientation trips, incoming trade delegations (whether or not under direction of a government official and whether or not with a separate matchmaking programme) and collective trade show participation. Many of these missions are initiated by cities or provinces.

Trade Promotion
Dutch products and services are highlighted and promoted via the targeted mailing of Made in Holland magazines to potential overseas trade partners. Furthermore, NBSOs participate selectively in seminars and other activities to promote Dutch business.

Identification of market opportunities
NBSOs investigate possible opportunities for Dutch business in overseas markets and subsequently communicate these via short articles on the website www.agentschapnl.nl/evdinternationaal and in the monthly publication BuitenlandseMarkten (Overseas Markets). In this manner, NBSOs function as the ‘eyes and ears’ of Dutch commerce with respect to overseas markets. Dutch businesses can keep abreast of these potential opportunities via e-mail subscription to the messaging service of NL EVD International.

NBSOs operate under the direction of NL EVD International. Together with other NBSOs in the same country, and with the economic departments of the embassy and consulates general, they form the economic network for that particular country.