Minister Beljaarts to the US for innovation collaboration and tech fair CES

To firmly position Dutch tech companies and start-ups internationally and strengthen collaboration with American companies. That is the aim of the visit of Minister Beljaarts (Economic Affairs) to the United States from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 January. Together with Dutch entrepreneurs, the minister will go to Arizona, the largest global technology fair CES in Las Vegas and Silicon Valley near San Francisco.

The trip starts with a visit to Arizona, Silicon Desert. Here, the minister will reflect on the collaboration between the Dutch and American semiconductor industries together with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. Concrete steps will also be taken to continue to support Dutch businesses in this region.

Minister Dirk Beljaarts (EZ):

The trade relationship with the United States is of great importance, especially when it comes to the semiconductor industry. By strengthening this relationship, we not only promote Dutch business, but we prevent the Netherlands and Europe from becoming too dependent on foreign countries when it comes to semiconductors.

From 6 to 7 January, Minister Beljaarts will visit the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. CES is increasingly less about gadgets and more about innovations that shape our future. For example, in the field of energy transition, AI, cybersecurity and digital healthcare. CES is therefore the annual meeting place for more than 150,000 companies, professionals and investors from around 150 countries. The event fits in with the government's objective to stimulate innovation and to provide extra support to start-ups and scale-ups in particular in their international growth and in finding suitable financing.

Minister Dirk Beljaarts (EZ):

CES is the global stage for innovative companies. Here they present their solutions, both to the general public and to investors. It is of great importance that innovative Dutch entrepreneurs also get the platform they deserve here. Because the Netherlands is known worldwide for entrepreneurs who operate at the cutting edge of technology. With their smart products and services, these entrepreneurs contribute to solving major social challenges and at the same time strengthening our economy.

From 8 to 9 January, Minister Beljaarts will visit San Francisco and Silicon Valley. During this visit, discussions with leading American tech companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD and Meta will be central. These discussions will focus on AI, cloud solutions, cybersecurity and semiconductors.
In addition to the Dutch strategic interests with American high-tech companies, attention will also be paid to the Dutch investment climate during this visit. The minister will hold discussions in the presence of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) with various companies that are considering expanding their activities in the Netherlands.

Minister Dirk Beljaarts (EZ):

The visit to Silicon Valley is an excellent opportunity to deepen the collaboration with major technology companies and to further position the Netherlands as an innovation hub in Europe. The discussions about AI, cybersecurity and investments in the Netherlands are therefore essential for future economic growth and our strategic relations.