Maryland Partners with The Netherlands to Enhance Economic Development Collaboration
Three-year agreement will promote bilateral partnership
BALTIMORE, MD (April 14, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Commerce renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Netherlands yesterday to support economic development collaboration between the regions. The agreement – which was signed with InnovationQuarter, the regional economic development agency for the province of South-Holland (also referred to internationally as the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area) – expands on the original agreement by focusing on cybersecurity, quantum computing, and life sciences.
”The Netherlands’ dedication to innovation and sustainability make it one of the most competitive economies in Europe. Here in Maryland, we are striving for those exact same results, with help from our highly-skilled tech workforce and thriving startup scene,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “We believe this expanded partnership with the Rotterdam-Hague area will keep both regions working towards the greater good, while boosting business in Maryland and abroad.”
The agreement, which took place on the tall ship Stad Amsterdam docked in Baltimore’s harbor, was part of an event discussing innovation and collaboration between the two regions. A separate event was also held for the entities to exchange best practices surrounding climate adaptation and urban agriculture.
Maryland Commerce Secretary Anderson joined InnovationQuarter Head of Internationalization, Chris van Voorden, to sign the MOU renewal. Minister-Counselor for Economy & Climate Bart van Bolhuis and Executive Director of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency Jaap Slothouwer also attended the signing.
“Our partnership with Maryland underscores the critical role of tech talent and the startup and scale-up scene in driving innovation and growth in important sectors such as cybersecurity, quantum computing, and life sciences in the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area,” said Chris van Voorden. “By joining forces, we can leverage our strengths and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
“We are happy that this Memorandum of Understanding, to continue supporting economic development with Maryland, has been renewed,” said Bart van Bolhuis. “The economic ties between the Netherlands and the U.S. support almost one-million American jobs, including more than 33,000 jobs in Maryland. This MOU strengthens the economic bonds between Maryland and The Hague-Rotterdam area. We look forward to fostering more innovation and economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Originally signed in 2016, the memorandum of understanding served as the catalyst for the Maryland Global Gateway initiative. What began as a small pilot project between the two regions grew into the state’s soft landing program, providing international companies with the opportunity to test out the U.S. market at an affordable rate.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the state’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
About InnovationQuarter
InnovationQuarter (innovationquarter.nl) is the economic development agency for the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area, which encompasses Leiden and Delft, in the Province of Zuid-Holland. With four funds, we invest in and support innovative, fast-growing local enterprises, as well as assist foreign companies in establishing themselves in this unique delta region, free of charge. Our experienced team guides foreign companies through every step of the international expansion process, while also fostering national and international collaboration between forward-thinking entrepreneurs, knowledge institutes, and governments. By working closely with the business community, InnovationQuarter is driving the innovation agenda and helping to establish this region as a leading hub of innovation in Europe.
