Economic affairs minister is optimistic about economic strength

Economic affairs minister Henk Kamp is optimistic about the Dutch economy in the future, he says in an interview with the AD.


‘Confidence in the future is justified,’ Kamp told the paper. For example, exports grew in 2012, despite the stagnation elsewhere in Europe. ‘Rotterdam port had a good year again and the Netherlands continues to be attractive to foreign investors,’ the minister told the paper.
In December, the government’s CPB macro-economic think tank said the economy will shrink in 2013 and spending will remain above eurozone budget deficit targets.
Strength
Kamp said 2013 will not be easy but that the economy has enough strength to ensure recovery. ‘All in all I am optimistic. Not because 2013 will be a good year but because confidence in the future is justified,’ he told the paper.
‘It is true the economy will contract but it is also true we have the power to turn this into growth,’ Kamp said.
IT and internet will be crucial to this growth and the Netherlands has the best broadband network in the world, Kamp said, pointing out 95% of the Dutch have access to a broadband connection.
‘In 2013, we will make high tempo progress on updating the mobile networks, which will also then be among the best in the world,’ Kamp said. ‘But the most important thing is that entrepreneurs continue to innovate.’

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