News item | 03-01-2025 | 10:00
Strongly position Dutch tech companies and startups internationally and strengthen cooperation with American companies. That is the purpose of the visit of Minister Beljaarts (Economic Affairs) to the United States from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 January. Together with Dutch entrepreneurs, the minister will visit Arizona, the largest global technology fair CES in Las Vegas and Silicon Valley near San Francisco.
The trip starts with a visit to Arizona, Silicon Desert. Here, the minister, together with Governor of Arizona Katie Hobbs, will discuss the cooperation between the Dutch and American semiconductor industries. Concrete steps will also be taken to provide continued support to the Dutch business community in this region.
Minister Dirk Beljaarts (EZ): “The trade relationship with the United States is of great importance, especially when it comes to the semiconductor industry. By strengthening this relationship, we not only promote Dutch business, but we prevent the Netherlands and Europe from becoming too dependent on abroad when it comes to semiconductors.”
From January 6 to 7, Minister Beljaarts will visit the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The CES is becoming less about gadgets and more about innovations that shape our future. For example in the areas of energy transition, AI, cybersecurity and digital healthcare. The CES is the annual meeting place for more than 150,000 companies, professionals and investors from around 150 countries. The event fits in with the government’s objective to stimulate innovation and to provide start-ups and scale-ups in particular with extra support in their international growth and finding suitable financing.
Minister Dirk Beljaarts (EZ): “The CES is the platform for innovative companies worldwide. Here they present their solutions, both to the general public and to investors. It is very important that innovative Dutch entrepreneurs also get the platform they deserve here Because the Netherlands is known worldwide for entrepreneurs who operate at the cutting edge of technology. These entrepreneurs contribute to solving major social challenges and strengthening our economy at the same time.”
From January 8 to 9, Minister Beljaarts will visit San Francisco and Silicon Valley. This visit will focus on discussions with leading American tech companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD and Meta. During these conversations, particular attention will be paid to AI, cloud solutions, cybersecurity and semiconductors.
In addition to Dutch strategic interests with American high-tech companies, this visit also focuses on the Dutch investment climate. The minister will hold discussions in the presence of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) with various companies that are considering expanding their activities in the Netherlands.
Minister Dirk Beljaarts (EZ): “The visit to Silicon Valley is an excellent opportunity to deepen cooperation with major technology companies and to further position the Netherlands as an innovation hub in Europe. The conversations about AI, cybersecurity and investments in the Netherlands are therefore essential for future economic growth and our strategic relationships.”