NACCSE NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA

HISTORY OF DUTCH-AMERICAN RELATIONSHIP IN NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA  

The social and economic ties between the US and the Netherlands stretches back several centuries: Henry Hudson was in fact under contract with the Dutch East India Company when he explored the northeastern coast of the present-day United States.  

Nearly two hundred years later, the Netherlands would become the second nation to officially recognize the United States of America when The Hague accepted the credentials of Minister John Adams on April 19, 1781.

As part of the original thirteen colonies, North and South Carolina share a particularly long history with the Netherlands.  During the 17^th century, the Dutch and English engaged in several wars as they fought to maintain their position in the New World.  In the 1670s, after the English had seized assets on the northeastern coast from the Dutch, many Dutch moved south to Charleston, or Charles Town as it was then known.

Today the Netherlands is the third largest foreign investor in the US as a whole, and also the recipient of the most US foreign direct investment*.  Dutch companies currently provide over 22,000 jobs in North Carolina – equivalent to about 5.5% of the population of its capital, Raleigh.  In South Carolina, the figure is equivalent to about 4.5% of the state's population.  Overall the Netherlands is respectively the sixth and seventh largest foreign investor in North Carolina and South Carolina*. 

Globally-recognized Dutch companies from numerous industries have chosen to open offices and plants in North and South Carolina: Unilever, AkzoNobel, ING, KPMG, DSM and Aegon – to name but a few.  As the world becomes increasingly global, this list will surely grow, together with the need to be part of an effective business network such as ours.  Our membership already includes global businesses such as KLM, Fokker, CSM Bakery and Coca-Cola.

*Based on the most recent statistics available from The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Washington D.C. http://www.economicties.org/NC.html

QUESTIONNAIRE

Please follow the link and fill out the questionnaire. We value your opinion and your comments will help us better serve your specific needs as we expand to North and South Carolina.  Submissions will be dealt with in confidence and we aim to respond to you within 5 working days. 

THE CHAMBER IN NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA 

Since its inception in 2008, the Dutch-American Chamber has succeeded in creating mutually beneficial relationships within the business community from its base in Atlanta.  Until now the Chamber has focused on Georgia.  Encompassing North and South Carolina in our future activities reflects - and acknowledges - the important contribution of these states to the Dutch-American business community in the South Eastern United States.  

The Chamber aims through its expansion to create a comprehensive, regional organization that supports and promotes trade and investment relationships between the Netherlands and the South Eastern United States.  In an increasingly global world, being part of an effective business network is vital to maximizing your business opportunities.

If you would like to find out more about how the Chamber can benefit your business in North and South Carolina, click here.