Also Dutch firms are increasingly aware of these opportunities. For instance, nowadays more than 2,000 Dutch firms are doing business in Africa, ranging from smaller – mainly trade-oriented – companies to major Dutch companies such as Heineken, Unilever and Philips. Africa is also increasingly important for Dutch exports and imports.
Among the 20 most important emerging countries to which Dutch exports are destined, 9 are situated in Africa, with Togo, Ghana and Senegal even in the top 5. And, according to Statistics Netherlands, about 70 percent of our imported roses come from Africa, where, by the way, also Dutch rose growers are active.