Introduction meeting with minister Klever

Last Wednesday, Annet Koster and Nathan Habers visited Minister Reinette Klever for Foreign Trade and Development Aid on behalf of the KVNR to get acquainted.

An important introduction, because the shipping industry is pre-eminently an international industry and our members sail worldwide. That is one of the many ways Dutch shipowners contribute to the earning capacity of the Netherlands. And although entrepreneurship should mainly be left to entrepreneurs, government support is needed on a regular basis. For instance, an embassy can offer a helping or even a redeeming hand in case of problems abroad.

Accordingly, during the pleasant and positive acquaintance, we discussed on topics such as.

• The importance to the Netherlands of the Dutch quality flag on seagoing vessels;

• The essential contribution of the Dutch postal network worldwide in supporting Dutch businesses

• The great value of export credit insurance (ekv) as an instrument for Dutch business;

• Safe and free navigation, especially against the backdrop of geopolitical developments such as we have seen for over a year now in the Red Sea region;

• Being mindful of regulatory pressure on companies, resulting from laws and regulations such as the CSRD and CSDD;

• In order to strengthen the Dutch position in the maritime field internationally, opportunities need to be seized.

For instance, as a result of Brexit, the Netherlands could make efforts to persuade important maritime organisations such as financial institutions and insurance companies to establish themselves in EU Member State the Netherlands.

We are grateful for the Netherlands' commitment to Dutch companies trading beyond its borders. It was good to see that the minister really has the shipping industry and the interests of Dutch shipowners at heart.