Business Forum Invitation: Netherlands – South Africa

The NL-SA Business Forum is organized by South African Embassy in the Netherlands and BusinessNL SANEC, supported by various economic mission organisers such as Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Regional Investment Promotion Agencies and Industry Associations.

The South African Embassy in the Netherlands and the Chamber BusinessNL-SANEC cordially invite all stakeholders that were involved in the economic mission which formed part of the State Visit by the Royal Couple to South Africa during October 2023, other companies, organisations and entrepreneurs to actively participate in an interactive and informative business forum session aimed at reflecting on and moving forward existing business and exploring new business and economic opportunities for companies based in South Africa and the Netherlands. 

The Forum aims at revitalising existing bilateral relationships, providing an economic update and networking opportunities. The majority of the participants in the room will be executives of companies, organisations and entrepreneurs based in the Netherlands, Dutch Government Agencies and Financial institutions as well as executives of South African companies and entrepreneurs based in the Netherlands. We will virtually engage with organisations in South Africa.

• DATE: Thursday, 28 March 2024
• TIME: 13H30 – 18H00 (from 16H30 cocktail reception – networking)
• VENUE: MalieToren, Bezuidenhoutseweg 12, Den Haag
• FORMAT: Hybrid; Audience in the room (in NL) and Online (in SA)
• COST: Free of Charge
• RSVP: Via email: mark@businessnl.co.za or ratshibayal@dirco.gov.za. Please indicate if you bring a guest.
• PROGRAM: Detailed programme will be provided approx. 1 week prior to the event. Link for Participants in SA will be provided before the event
• CONTACT: For any requests, questions, remarks please contact: 
  Mr Mark Agterdenbosch of BusinessNL - SANEC: mark@businessnl.co.za / +31 6 51 51 11 17 

Summary Program:

• 13H00 Walk in - Registration - Networking
• 13H30 FIRST SESSION
• 13H30 - 13H35 Word of welcome by VNO NCW
• 13H35 - 13H45 Remarks H.E. Ambassador Vusi Madonsela
  • Reflections on the State Visit: Successes and Way forward
• 13H45 - 13H55 Remarks: Ministry of Economic / Foreign Affairs
• 13H55 - 14H15 Invest SA / DTIC
  • Ease of Doing Business in SA / Incentives
  • Priority Sectors for Europe and the Netherlands
    • Renewable Energy Including Green Hydrogen – Corridors
    • Agri-business & Horticulture
    • Circular Economy
    • Smart Logistics
    • Any Other Business
• 14H15 - 14H45 Remarks by Dutch Enterprise Agency / RVO & Dutch Embassy in Pretoria
  • Current and future projects & overview support services
• 14H45 - 15H05 Investing in Dutch Solutions for Global Challenges; Invest International
• 15H05 - 15H15 Q&A interactions by audience
• 15H15 - 15H30 Coffee Break
• 15H30 SECOND SESSION: DELIVERING & BUILDING SA-NL NETWORKS
  • Announcement on the new BusinessNL – SANEC Chamber
  • Best Practices shared by SA-NL companies and organisations
  • Partnerships, Investments, Collaborations
  • Win – Wins for NL and SA for Business Expansion
• 16H25 - 16H30 Closing Remarks
• 16H30 - 18H00 Networking Reception
  • Engagements with Dutch and South African Businesses, Government and Knowledge Institutions

On behalf of organisers and presenters, we look much forward to welcome you in The Hague or online on 28th March.