The Amsterdam region continues to be a strong draw for foreign investment, with 126 new foreign firms setting up shop around the capital last year, according to city council figures.

The new arrivals were responsible for creating 1,344 jobs, said the Amsterdam Inbusiness organisation, quoted by news agency ANP. The organisation is responsible for attracting companies to Amsterdam, Almere, Amstelveen and the Haarlemmermeer area around Schiphol airport.

Many of the new firms operate in IT, the creative industries and business services. Most (52) come from North America. Some 2,000 foreign firms now have operations in the region, and account for some 15% of the jobs.

At the same time, however, a number of firms left the region. This included 15 companies with a workforce of more than 20, the organisation said, without giving further details.