If the Netherlands is to continue to grow as an international trading country, then it must have the best fiscal investment climate in Europe, according to a report by the semi-governmental Dutch Trade & Investment Board (DTIB).

The DTIB report also said that talented students, start-ups, entrepreneurs, skilled labourers and scientists should be encouraged to remain in the Netherlands, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday.

‘Now that competition between countries is increasing again, it is necessary to strive for the best fiscal conditions in Europe,’ said DTIB chairman Chris Buijink who also heads the Dutch bankers association.

The report, which was presented to caretaker junior trade minister Lilianne Ploumen and acting economic affairs minister Henk Kamp on Wednesday, singled out research & development centres as an example of a sector which would make the country more attractive.

The report said the fact that the Netherlands was now effectively exporting R&D was ‘an alarming development’. It said more money should be invested in international innovative partnerships.

The government, business community and institutes of higher learning must work together to develop a coordinated approach to exports in new growth markets such as Asia and Latin America, the report argues, adding that the Netherlands brand helps sell the country.