Dutch & Japanese Trade Federation Dujat Marks Longstanding Bilateral Relations Between the Countries
Photos by Twycer
Annual event highlights Dujat’s 40 years of strengthening economic ties between Japan and the Netherlands
The annual Dujat year-end dinner event was held in Amsterdam on 9 December, marking the 40th anniversary of the organization which promotes economic ties between Japan and the Netherlands. Dujat is a non-profit platform for Dutch and Japanese companies that aims to increase mutual understanding and business opportunities between the two nations. There are currently 180 members, representing Japanese and Dutch companies, cultural organizations and (semi) governmental organizations.
Every year since 2003, Dujat has organized an end-of-year dinner for the Dutch and Japanese business community to meet and network. This year’s event was attended by a record number of more than 500 guests. After an opening speech was given by Dujat Chairman Luc Houben, special addresses were given by H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami, Ambassador of Japan to the Netherlands, and Her Royal Highness Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands.
Also speaking was Mr. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam, who gave the audience a detailed update about the importance of Rotterdam as an energy port for Europe, about the energy transition, and the port’s collaborations with other companies, such as the Japanese company Yokogawa.
Strong trade and investment between Japan and the Netherlands
Dujat builds on the longstanding trade and cultural relations between the Netherlands and Japan, dating back four centuries. The Netherlands is the fourth-largest destination for Japanese investment in Europe and there are approximately 700 Japanese companies operating here.
NFIA supports innovative foreign companies to locate and expand in the Netherlands. In 2024, Japanese businesses that chose to expand operations to the Netherlands included the high tech company Sumitomo Heavy Industries, and the agrifood innovator DAIZ Engineering. Also, Mitsubishi announced plans to build a new hydrogen electrolyzer in the Netherlands.
Every two years, Dujat recognizes Japanese companies in the Netherlands that have made an exceptional contribution to both the Dutch economy and society with the Deshima Awards. The Deshima Awards 2023 were presented to Yanmar Europe and Sekisui Design Studio. In 2025, the 10th edition of the Deshima Awards will be held, once again honoring companies that are making a positive impact in the Netherlands and in Japan-Netherlands relations.
A thriving relationship built on common ground
Also in 2025, the robust trade and investment ties between the Netherlands and Japan will be further highlighted in the Expo 2025 in Osaka, from 13 April to 13 October. The Expo, at which the Netherlands will have a country pavilion, will be an opportunity to showcase and further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the countries.
Fittingly, the theme of the Netherlands participation in the Expo is ‘Creating a New Dawn Together on Common Ground’. The Netherlands Pavilion aims to convey a message of hope for a resilient future. In showing the connection of Japan with the Netherlands and the world, the design of the Netherlands Pavilion features an anthropogenic (‘man-made’) sun. It symbolizes the rising sun – a future empowered by collaboration and energy that is clean, unlimited, and accessible for all: a new dawn.
18 December 2024