The Netherlands ranked highly for foreign investors
By Elzi Lewis
Grant Thornton has just released its annual Global Dynamism Index (GDI), revealing the Netherlands to be an attractive option for foreign investors.
About the Global Dynamism Index
The GDI is carried out by the accountancy and consultancy firm Grant Thornton, in association with The Economist Intelligence Unit.
The study rates 60 of the world's biggest economies according to 22 indicators of "dynamism." These include factors such as corporate tax burdens and GDP growth.
According to the survey, Australia was the world's most attractive country for foreign in investment in 2013. The Netherlands was ranked 38th.
What makes the Netherlands attractive for foreign businesses?
Although it didn't top the table, the Netherlands nonetheless scored impressively in certain important indicators.
For instance, the GDI rated the Netherlands particularly highly in terms of political stability, Business Operating Environment and foreign trade relations.
The GDI also showed that, per 100 inhabitants, the Netherlands has 100 broadband subscribers. Amsterdam was rated as the most digitally connected economy on the planet.
Amsterdam was also rated one of the Netherlands' major business draws. The world's first stock exchange opened here in 1602, and the city's financial prestige continues to this day.
| Country | GDI position |
|---|---|
| Australia | 1 |
| Chile | 2 |
| China | 3 |
| New Zealand | 4 |
| Canada | 5 |
| Finland | 6 |
| Singapore | 7 |
| Israel | 8 |
| Sweden | 9 |
| Norway | 10 |
In addition to strong financial markets, Amsterdam boasts impressive creative and marketing industries - which makes it an attractive place for global investments.
These findings are particularly important as the international business world becomes more and more dependent on technology.
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Elzi Lewis