Home > Events > SCOC website > May 28 2025, Presentation of the Business Climate Survey, the Netherlands 2025

May 28 2025, Presentation of the Business Climate Survey, the Netherlands 2025

Wednesday 28 May 2025
Back to overview

On May 28, 2025, Team Sweden proudly presented the Business Climate Survey Netherlands 2025 in a collaborative effort between the Swedish Embassy, Business Sweden, and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. The event took place in the presence of H.E. Mr. Johannes Oljelund, Ambassador of Sweden to the Netherlands, and Ms. Camilla Mellander, Director General for Trade at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

 

This year’s survey revealed a business confidence rate of 55%, a figure that reflects both opportunities and challenges for Swedish companies operating in the Dutch market. We look forward to further analysis and comparison during the upcoming global presentation later this month.

Following the opening remarks by Carlos Pita Cao, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Johannes Oljelund formally inaugurated the session. Ms. Camilla Mellander then delivered an insightful keynote presentation, highlighting key trade priorities and the broader geopolitical context.

The survey findings were jointly presented by Ms. Malin Alders from the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Ms. Alice Frykhammar of Team Sweden. Their presentation offered valuable insights into how Swedish enterprises are navigating the Dutch business landscape. A dynamic panel discussion, including Mr. Douwe Dirks of NORNORM, Ms. Ruth de Jager of Storytel, Mr. Hans Vos of FlexLink, and Mr. Cees Westera of Public Matters, moderated by Mr. Tomas Korseman of Business Sweden, followed, exploring the practical implications of the survey results.

 

Addressing the evolving international trade environment, Ms. Mellander remarked:

“As protectionist winds blow from our very important trade partner, the United States, free trade is more important than ever. We must stand united within the EU, focusing on proportional, targeted, and mutually beneficial arrangements.”

 

We extend our sincere thanks to Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden in The Hague for the collaboration, as well as to AKD for generously hosting the event at their stunning Amsterdam office. We are also deeply grateful to all participants and the many companies that contributed by completing the survey, making this year’s report possible.

 

The Business Climate Survey Netherlands 2025 is available here

 

Photo Credit: Hanne Hansen Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Team Sweden

 

 

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and the Business Climate Survey 2025 were generously hosted by Swedish Chamber Patron Member:

 

 

Venue

AKD

Gustav Mahlerlaan 2970,

1081 LA Amsterdam

Camilla Mellander, Director General for Trade Policy
Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Johannes Oljelund
Cees Westera, Senior Director at Public Matters
Cees Westera is a Senior Director at Public Matters, advising organizations about strategic Public Affairs, lobbying and stakeholder management. Cees has been working in and with Dutch politics for the past 25 years.
Ruth de Jager, Vice President Global Content Development at Storytel
Executive in leading teams in creating content, optimise processes, (content) marketing & talent management. Has built extensive experience in companies as HBO, Universal, Paramount and Ziggo. Currently working for Storytel AB as a VP Content Development and Owner of Ruth Hunts.
Douwe Dirks, Head of International Sales at NORNORM
Douwe Dirks, Head of International Sales at NORNORM, a subscription-based furnishing model on a mission to make workspaces better for people, businesses and the planet.
Hans Vos, General Manager Benelux at FlexLink Systems BV
With over four decades of international experience in engineering, quality management, business development, and general management, I bring a broad perspective to strategic and operational challenges. I began my career in 1982 at a trading and engineering agency, and since 1990, I have held various leadership roles at FlexLink Systems BV, including: • Manager of the Projects Department (1990) • Corporate Quality Director (1996) • Manager Business Development (2003) • Director Emerging Markets (2006) • General Manager Netherlands (2012) • General Manager Benelux (2021–present) My career has focused on driving innovation, improving organizational performance, and expanding into new markets—particularly in the industrial automation and manufacturing sectors.
Tomas Korseman, Trade Commissioner Benelux & Market Area Director Central Western Europe Business Sweden
Tomas Korseman is Trade Commissioner of Sweden to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and Area Manager of Business Sweden – The Swedish Trade & Invest Council, for the Benelux countries. . From the beginning of 2017, he was appointed Trade Commissioner of Sweden to the Benelux countries. He leads a team of eight based in The Hague. Before that, he was serving as Trade Commissioner of Sweden to Chile, Argentina and Peru (2012-2017). Mr. Korseman holds previous line management roles in strategy and business development at Ericsson (2004-2012) and Motorola (2003-2004), coupled with significant experience of management consulting and growth advisory from edgecom (2000-2003) and Arthur Andersen (1995-2000).

Recommended events
November 17, 2016 Global Macro Outlook Seminar by Handelsbanken
View event
November 28, 2016 The Swedish Chamber Patron Dinner

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all participants for contributing to the success of the Swedish Chamber Patron Dinner on November 22, 2016. We cordially thank H.E. Ambassador of Sweden and Honorary Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Mr. Per Holmström for hosting the Patron Dinner 2016 and Mr. Jeroen van der Veer, ING Keynote speaker and Honorary Guest, for sharing his experiences and introducing the Round Table discussions.

View event

Patrons