Introducing Herrik van der Gaag: Mentor for the Mentorship Programme 2025
Herrik van der Gaag brings over 25 years of international management expertise spanning wholesale, retail, and brand management. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prominent organisations such as Volvo, NBA, Champion, Starter, It’s Consumers Electronics, and DMG, demonstrating his ability to navigate diverse industries and achieve remarkable results.
A dynamic and high-energy leader, Herrik is highly skilled in general management, omnichannel sales, licensing, brand building, and business development. His expertise further extends to international operations, logistics, legal, marketing partnerships, and finance. Currently, he serves as Managing Director of Volvo Cars in Germany and the Netherlands, where he leads with innovation and strategic insight.
We are thrilled to have Herrik join this year’s programme, where he will share his invaluable knowledge and inspire the next generation of professionals.
Are you ready to gain insights from accomplished leaders like Herrik?
The Swedish Chamber and Young Professionals Mentorship Programme 2025 is now open for applications.
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Merry Christmas from the Swedish Chamber of Commerce!
As the festive season begins, we extend our heartfelt thanks for an incredible 2024. Together, we’ve built meaningful connections, fostered collaborations, and celebrated the strong friendship between Sweden and the Netherlands.
Our office will close for the holidays from December 20 and reopen on January 7, 2025. We look forward to an exciting new year filled with inspiring events, initiatives, and partnerships.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a God Jul!
Photo: Hanne Hansen Photography
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Thank you to our incredible sponsors!
On December 6, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce hosted the Exclusive Annual Lucia Dinner and the Sustainability & Innovation Summit – “AI Driving the Sustainable Transformation” at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam. These events celebrated Swedish traditions, the strong bond between Sweden and the Netherlands, and the future of innovation and sustainability.
This unforgettable evening would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Stena Line, Handelsbanken, AKD, Saab, Scania, Ecophon, Tetra Pak, Earth, Heussen, Inter IKEA Systems, and Einar & Partners.
A special thank you to Hanne Hansen for beautifully capturing the night.
Thank you for making this event a success and for your continued support of our community.
Photo credits: Hanne Hansen Photography
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Applications for Management Trainee 2025-2026, now open!
Are you ready to kick-start your professional journey? The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands is delighted to announce that three exclusive scholarships are now open for applications for the 2025–2026 International Management Trainee Program in Amsterdam.
These scholarships provide ambitious and creative young talents with the chance to gain hands-on experience in international business, working within the Chamber’s dynamic Swedish-Dutch business community. Over the years, this programme has served as a launchpad for many successful careers!
The scholarships have been made possible through generous donations from:
- The Scholarship Fund for Swedish Youth Abroad
- Gull & Stellan Ljungberg Foundation Scholarship
- The School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg Scholarship Foundation
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Honorary Member, Gerard Perik
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1960, has always been a cornerstone of collaboration and friendship between Sweden and the Netherlands. From the beginning, our mission has been to exchange experiences, learn from one another, support each other, and create lasting business opportunities. Last week, at our 62nd Annual Lucia Dinner we celebrated this enduring mission, as well as the strong bonds that unite our two nations.
It was both an honour and a privilege to recognize one of our esteemed Honorary Members, Mr. Gerard Perik, who has been with the Chamber since nearly its beginning. Mr Perik has served in many leading roles within the Chamber over the years, and his contribution to supporting Swedish and Dutch Trade relations has been the reason the King of Sweden acknowledged him with the Order of the Polar Star many years ago. We offered him a heartfelt round of applause in gratitude for his remarkable support and unwavering commitment to the Chamber over the years and look forward to welcoming him for many events yet to come.
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Thank You to Our Generous Goodie Bag Sponsors
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to our generous sponsors for their contributions to the Sustainability & Innovation Summit: “AI Driving Sustainable Transformation” and the Exclusive Annual Lucia Dinner on 6 December 2024.
Special thanks to Hästens, Kosta Boda, Inter IKEA Systems, and DIG for showcasing the best of Swedish innovation, design, and quality. Your support added a thoughtful and memorable touch to the events, leaving a lasting impression on our guests.
Thank you for helping make these occasions truly exceptional.
Photo credits: Hanne Hansen Photography
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Young Professionals 100th Member
Last week, the Young Professionals had the pleasure of surprising their 100th member at HEUSSEN, one of the Chamber's patron company members, with flowers and balloons in celebration.
Reaching this incredible milestone of 100 members highlights the vibrant, ambitious, and dynamic network that has been built over time. This achievement reflects the collective effort of all members who have contributed to shaping the future of Swedish-Dutch business relations.
The Young Professionals extend their gratitude to all 100 members for their continued engagement, inspiration, and collaboration. Together, they are helping to create an environment where connections are made, growth is nurtured, and the future of business between Sweden and the Netherlands continues to thrive.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Young Professionals are excited about the upcoming events and networking opportunities that lie ahead, as they continue to foster professional growth and development within the community.
Not yet a member of the Young Professionals? Join today and elevate your professional journey. For more information, press .
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The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands and Saab Nederland launch the Sustainability Scholarship
Amsterdam, December 6, 2024 – The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands, in collaboration with Saab Nederland, proudly announces the launch of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands Sustainability Scholarship – Powered by Saab. The announcement was made during the Chamber’s flagship event, the Sustainability & Innovation Summit: AI Driving the Sustainable Transformation, held in Amsterdam on December 6, 2024.
The partnership between the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands and Saab Nederland was formalized by signing a collaboration agreement at the event. This innovative scholarship underscores a shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and advancing sustainability initiatives between Sweden and the Netherlands.
The Sustainability Scholarship – Powered by Saab is designed to support Swedish and Dutch Master’s students who are enrolled at universities in either country and are pursuing research on sustainability-related topics. Eligible students can apply for funding to conduct a special research project in Sweden or the Netherlands, provided their Master’s thesis demonstrates relevance to both nations.
This initiative not only provides financial support but also seeks to:
About the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands serves as a dynamic Swedish-Dutch business platform dedicated to strengthening trade relations between Sweden and the Netherlands. As a non-profit organization with over 60 years of experience, the Chamber offers first-class business services, networking opportunities, and development programs to its more than 200 members, which include startups, SMEs, unicorns, and multinational corporations and Young Professionals across various industries.
About Saab
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 24,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
Photo text: Jan Terlouw, General Manager of Saab Nederland and Jan Sundelin, Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands sign the collaboration agreement for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands Sustainability Scholarship – Powered by Saab.
Photo credentials: Hanne Hansen Photography
Media contact: +31 20 320 3226.
For more information and how to apply:
Swedish Chamber of Commerce in The Netherlands | Fred. Roeskestraat 115 1076 EE Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Strengthen long-term collaboration between Sweden and the Netherlands.
- Enhance academic and business relations for the next generation of leaders.
- Promote knowledge exchange in sustainability and innovation.
- Leverage the high global rankings of both nations in sustainable practices.
- Build on established academic ties between Swedish and Dutch universities to facilitate mutual learning and shared insights.
About the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands serves as a dynamic Swedish-Dutch business platform dedicated to strengthening trade relations between Sweden and the Netherlands. As a non-profit organization with over 60 years of experience, the Chamber offers first-class business services, networking opportunities, and development programs to its more than 200 members, which include startups, SMEs, unicorns, and multinational corporations and Young Professionals across various industries.
About Saab
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 24,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
Photo text: Jan Terlouw, General Manager of Saab Nederland and Jan Sundelin, Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands sign the collaboration agreement for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands Sustainability Scholarship – Powered by Saab.
Photo credentials: Hanne Hansen Photography
Media contact: +31 20 320 3226.
For more information and how to apply:
Swedish Chamber of Commerce in The Netherlands | Fred. Roeskestraat 115 1076 EE Amsterdam, Netherlands
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