• The Netherlands is all about export
  • The Netherlands is all about innovation
  • The Netherlands is all about trade

Welcome to the Netherlands Office Taipei

The mission of the Netherlands Office Taipei (NLOT) is to promote and support cooperation between Taiwanese and Dutch institutions and companies in the fields of commerce, science, technology, agriculture, and culture as well as to provide a platform for strategic economic cooperation. In addition, the Netherlands Office Taipei handles visa applications and consular matters for foreigners and Dutch nationals.

Departments

Economic Department

The Economic Department actively promotes trade between the Netherlands and Taiwan by providing information, support and practical advice to Dutch entrepreneurs who want to do business in Taiwan. The Economic Department also provides services for Taiwanese businesses who want to import from the Netherlands.

NFIA

The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) is a Dutch agency that provides free consultancy, information and practical assistance for foreign companies that are interested in establishing their business in the Netherlands. It also offers access to a broad network of potential business partners and helpful government institutions.

Agriculture and Food

The Agriculture & Food Department provides information on the agricultural sector and on agricultural policies of the Netherlands, and collects information about the agricultural sector in Taiwan.

Innovation

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is a Dutch organization that promotes economic cooperation in the field of technology, science and innovation. It is also the point of contact in Taiwan for any Dutch companies or organizations active in the field of research, development, science and technology.

Visa and Consular

The Netherlands Office handles all visa applications and consular matters for Taiwan. It also offers services for residents and citizens of the Netherlands, and serves as a point of contact and information in case of emergencies.

Culture

The Netherlands Office Taipei promotes Dutch culture in Taiwan by organizing and sponsoring various activities and events. It facilitates cultural exchanges between the Netherlands and Taiwan, and provides Dutch artists and organizations with information and support for showcasing their work in Taiwan.

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  • Guido Tielman

    Representative and Head of Mission

  • Matthijs van der Hoorn

    Head of Economic Department and Deputy Representative

  • Ulco Gartner

    Director Administration & Consular Affairs

  • Gelare Nader

    Director of the Agriculture and Food Department

  • Mariëlle Lagers

    Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency Executive Director for Taiwan

About the Netherlands

The Dutch – all 17 and a half million of them – live in a country about the size of Taiwan, making it one of the world's most densely populated countries. The Netherlands (or, more informally “Holland”) is best known for its iconic tulips, windmills and clogs, but there is so much more to this amazing country . Despite its size, it is the 17th largest economy in the world, renowned for its investment opportunities, its high-quality infrastructure and its broad government support for trade, commerce, science, innovation and green technologies.

The Dutch have always literally built and managed their country; from physically reclaiming vast swaths of land from the sea from the 13th century onwards, to protecting vulnerable low-lying areas with one of the world’s most advanced water management systems. The Dutch take great pride in their country, and have consistently managed it with responsibilty, vision and compassion. Take a virtual tour and check out the ‘Culture’ page to discover what the Netherlands is all about.

The Netherlands-Taiwan

OUR TRADE IN PERSPECTIVE

Over 400 years ago, the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), the world’s very first joint stock company whose trade links spanned the world at the time, arrived on the island of Formosa, where it opened a trading post in the southern city of Tainan.

The Dutch built the fortress “Zeelandia” as a base of their operations and started trading with aboriginal tribes. They also developed large-scale agriculture with the help of imported labor from the Mainland’s Fujian province. However, the period of Dutch rule was brief: during the Siege of Fort Zeelandia, the Chinese military leader Cheng Cheng-kung (Koxinga) forced the Dutch to surrender and expelled them from Taiwan in 1662.

Many of the economic policies implemented by the Dutch during this brief period of interaction subsequently formed the basis of Taiwan’s modern international trade. Taiwan’s earliest mercantile history and, to a certain degree,  the roots of its present-day economy, can be traced back to the system of ports, trade relations and trade routes that were established during the Dutch Formosa period back in the 17th century.

Today, the Netherlands still has close economic relations with Taiwan. The Netherlands is the second largest trading partner of Taiwan in Europe, and is ranked as one of the biggest foreign investors in Taiwan. Taiwan consistently features in the number three ranking of most important export destinations for Dutch goods, not seldom surpassing exports to Japan and South Korea.

The highlights below summarize the strong economic connection between the Netherlands and Taiwan:

  • The Netherlands is the largest European investor in Taiwan.
  • The Netherlands is the 2nd largest trading partner from the EU in Taiwan.
  • The Netherlands is the 15th largest trading partner worldwide in Taiwan.
  • The Netherlands is the first investment destination of Taiwan in EU.
The majority of products which are exported from the Netherlands to Taiwan fall into the following categories:
  • Machinery
  • Manufactured goods
  • Transport equipment
  • Chemicals

Focus on the Future


managing water

Safety and Sustainability

The Netherlands is the best protected delta in the world. Yet how do we keep our country safe from high water, now and in the future, and ensure a sufficient supply of fresh water? And how can we ensure that the Netherlands remains an attractive country in which to live, work and invest?


managing land

Agriculture, Nature and Environment

The Netherlands has a rich variety of nature and is one of the world's largest agricultural producers. Biotechnology is important for agriculture and the food industry. The Dutch government would like consumers to be able to choose healthy foods more easily and more consciously.


managing commerce

Economy, Finance and Industry

Dutch entrepreneurs are encouraged and supported in their endeavours to tap into foreign markets. Foreign companies are also welcomed to consider the Netherlands when looking for investment opportunities overseas. Corporate social responsibility and sustainability are high on the agendas of businesses and government.


managing the future

Education, Culture and Science

The Dutch believe that the arts and culture should be accessible to all. The education system of the Netherlands features various types of school, each offering a curriculum geared to pupils' needs. Comparative studies show that Dutch scientific research is among the best in the world.