Over 350 foreign firms invested a total of €1.67bn in the Netherlands last year, generating more than 12,500 jobs, according to new figures from the economic affairs ministry.

This is more money than in 2016 and 2015 but fewer jobs, the figures from the Invest in Holland group, made up of the NFIA and regional investmentment agencies, show.  The US was responsible for the biggest share of foreign investment, creating over 2,500 jobs.

Among the major investors last year were Netflix and chemicals group Merck. But the ministry also claims success from Brexit, having made contact with 200 firms which are now considering their options.

In total, 18 companies, responsible for 483 jobs, made Brexit-related moves to the Netherlands, the ministry said. This does not include the European Medicines Agency which will move to Amsterdam, bringing 900 jobs, next year.

‘The presence of foreign firms is important for the Netherlands,’ economic affairs minister Erik Wiebes said in a reaction. ‘Some 1.4 million Dutch people have a job, thanks to these companies, whether directly or indirectly.

Amsterdam

Meanwhile, Amsterdam alderman Udo Kock says in an interview with the Financieele Dagblad that he is concerned that the city’s popularity could be hit by the shortage of office and laboratory space as well as expensive housing.

Last year, 143 foreign firms made the move to the Dutch capital and its surrounding agencies, bringing 2,700 jobs with them.