One-stop shop for information on developing business

THE Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a new database Developing your Business, aimed at stimulating business with and in emerging markets, including many developing countries. Companies can access the database on the Internet day and night to find answers to questions about doing business in emerging markets.

The database contains information about grants, import and export support, investment, research, networks, training courses and relevant websites.

Improving the business climate in developing countries is a high priority for the Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation, Agnes van Ardenne. Economic growth creates new jobs and helps combat poverty.

Dutch companies that set up activities with foreign partners in emerging markets may qualify for grants under various programmes, such as the PSOM (Program for Cooperation with Emerging Markets) and DRET (Development-Related Export Transactions program).

The new database provides detailed information about these grant programmes.

An extensive English-language version of the database is available at www.evd.nl. It provides information about the opportunities in each country for the international and local business community.

The search engine recognises country names and key words. The database is available for use free of charge. It is managed by the EVD, an agency of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. For more information about economic activities with the Netherlands, companies can also contact the Dutch embassy.