Logistics, Key sector, Holland Trade and Invest

The transportation of goods around the globe increases in volume and distance every single day. Holland plays a key role in the global market because of its well-structured logistics. The centre for world trade. Logistics concerns the knowledge and expertise that is necessary for the efficient planning, execution, and flow of goods- and information-streams. For many centuries, the Netherlands has been a centre for world trade. With two significant European cargo mainports, Schiphol airport and Port of Rotterdam, less that one hour distant from each other, the Netherlands is a key logistics hub for the through-transportation of goods to the European hinterland, making it an attractive location for foreign companies. Global trade is expanding and the transportation of goods round the world continues to increase and there is therefore a need for logistics to be as sustainable and efficient as possible. Many new measures have been implemented to reduce the CO2 emissions produced by the sector, such as hybrid delivery vehicles for urban areas and ships using quayside electricity whilst in port. Through sustainable innovation, the Dutch Logistics sector hopes to be leading the rest by 2020. Logistics also plays a crucial role for virtually all other sectors; from the transportation of raw materials, right through to finished products. With a value added of 55 billion euros/year and 813.000 employees, the Logistics sector is a strong driver of the Dutch economy. 5 important factors why Holland plays a key role in the global logistics industry. 1. Connecting producers and consumers worldwide. The Netherlands plays a key role in the globalised economy, by connecting producers and consumers worldwide via sophisticated logistics. Success is based on a combination of cutting-edge infrastructure, world-class service providers, and a coastal location at the heart of Europe. Holland is strategically located on the European coast, providing excellent access to the European market of more than 500 million consumers. 2. The Port of Rotterdam & Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Key factors are the Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest port and fourth-largest worldwide, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a major European air-freight and passenger hub. Both are supported by world- service providers and an extensive network of roads, railways, inland waterways and pipelines. This powerful combination has made the Netherlands the 'Gateway to Europe' accounting for significant quantities of European road- and water-transport. 3. Highly ranked infrastructure. According to the World Economic Forum, the quality of the Dutch infrastructure is among the best in the world, reflecting excellent facilities for maritime, air, road and railroad transport, ranked 1st, 4th, 2th and 7th, respectively in 2015. IMD Business School ranked the Netherlands first worldwide in 2015 with regards to the quality of its water transport infrastructure. 4. Extensive use of Information Technology. The Netherlands also makes extensive use of Information Technology to deliver optimised supply chain solutions in sectors where time is critical, such as food and flowers. 5. Sustainability as an important topic on the agenda. In addition, the Netherlands is pioneering developments in environmentally sustainable logistics operations and silent logistics.