Fewer international companies

The number of jobs at international companies in Amsterdam and environs has gone down. Source is the 2003 annual report of the Economic Affairs department of the municipality of Amsterdam.

In 2003 international companies provided approximately 27,000 jobs. In 2002 1270 more because ever fewer international companies decide to settle in Amsterdam and as existing companies continue to diminish.

Last year 65 companies settled in the region, compared to 96 in record year 2000. In 2003 Numico and Mexx were the most important newcomers, however these are Dutch companies.

Decline is partly due to the global recession, as a result of which fewer international companies all-round opt for the Netherlands. Amsterdam is also a less attractive place of business. Existing international companies consider crime and the unsafe feeling in the city to be growing problems. Traffic too has been an obstacle for quite a long time.

The main plus points are Schiphol being so near, public transport and the city’s international orientation.