Singaporean-Dutch trade in 2012 makes Netherlands No 3 EU trade partner

SINGAPORE and The Netherlands have reaffirmed their bilateral trade relations in further discussions of the benefits of their Free Trade Agreement.

This comes as the Netherlands has become the third largest trade partner in the European Union with Singapore, with bilateral trade rising to S$18.68 billion (US$15.1 billion) in 2012.

The number of Dutch firms with a presence in the Lion City stands at 1,000, ranging from marine, offshore, logistics, information technology and manufacturing through to research and development service providers, including Shell and Philip Electronics.

Additionally, more SMEs from both markets are working closer together to spearhead business growth in both regions, reports Singapore's Procurement Asia.