Many Dutch entrepreneurs and researchers work abroad and invest abroad, and many foreign companies also invest in the Dutch economy. Commerce and investment lead to growth and create jobs. The Dutch government and in particular the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, BUZA) strive to increase opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs on foreign markets.
The government aims to achieve this with an international enterprise policy that responds more effectively to the needs of businesses. There is a focus on economic diplomacy and supporting SME start-ups to operate on the international market.