Dutch Chamber Active in Cooperation and Networking

With constructive feedback from members, the Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce is developing new ideas in order to build a solid platform for future growth. As the chairman of the Chamber, Eric R. Ellerkamp explains, the organization also wishes to actively support exciting or new start-up companies, promote new initiatives and cooperation with other EU chambers in Hungary to enhance the economic environment in Hungary.

Starting out as a social get-together, the informal but successful Dutch Business Club was turned into the Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce in 2002. Now, it has 124 members. "The Dutch are very good in networking and in organizing useful events with a good content." This is how the chairman of the Chamber, Eric R. Ellerkamp explained to Diplomacy and Trade magazine how the organization of such a body fitted Dutch mentality.

"During the year, the board of the chamber has been working intensively in defining the key strategic objectives for the upcoming years. Taking in consideration the constructive feedback from our members, which we received during a workshop organized at our last annual general members meeting, we analyzed in depth the current strengths (to build on), weaknesses (to be sorted out) and developed new ideas in order to build a solid platform for future growth", he points out

The Chamber wants to furthermore develop the content of its website and magazine, 'the Bulletin', into a more interactive communication exchange platform from our members for our members. The Chamber also wishes to actively support exciting or new start-up companies in all kinds of questions concerning 'doing business in Hungary'. Another goal is to build on  the successful networking events, the 'meet the board' luncheons, to develop the very well received new HR sub-committee events initiative focusing on all topics around human capital, to promote a new initiative 'Dutch Business Leaders on Stage', as well as promoting the cooperation with the EU chambers.

"Apart from concentrating on business, we will not lose our focus with regard to the social part of the events, which is seen as a key strength of Dutch people around the Globe", Ellerkamp adds. The Chamber plans to increase the number of Members by offering even more attractive programs from 2010. These are: more focus on potential (Dutch and foreign companies in the countryside) and medium-to-large Hungarian companies who might want to increase their business ties with the Netherlands. "Get in touch with the Dutch",as the Chamber?s slogan goes.

There is further cooperation planned with the Hungarian Government, ITDH and the Tourism Office also. Dutch companies are here to support the common goal: developing the economy, increasing Hungary's competitiveness in the region, implementing more transparency and reducing bureaucracy.