On 11 January 2012 Dutch entrepreneurs presented water-related projects in the Port of Sohar in Oman. The projects, which will enjoy the benefits of a highly favourable tax regime, are the result of the programme for water projects in the Gulf region that was implemented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.

Fine Examples of the Water Top Sector
Dacom can control water management in Sohar from its headquarters in Emmen in the Netherlands. CMTS-VSI Group is involved in a tender for the development of a plant for the treatment of hazardous waste, a key part of which will involve water treatment. The ‘Dutch Dialogue approach’ of the Deltares research institute for water, soil and subsurface is developing a comprehensive approach to address water issues in Oman.

Minister Verhagen of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation said: ‘The projects are fine examples of what the Water Top Sector can achieve. SMBs could use more assistance at the top level to help them get even better results, and during this economic mission I will do my best to provide them with that support.’

read more


International cooperation minister Ben Knapen has announced how the Netherlands will help developing countries solve their water problems over the next few years. At a meeting today with Dutch water sector representatives, he presented the plans outlined in his policy letter ‘Water for Development’.

‘In many places in the world, drought, pollution and depleted water supplies are becoming an increasingly serious obstacle to development. The Dutch have long been pioneers in the water sector, and demand for our knowhow is growing rapidly,’ said Mr Knapen, who also sent his policy letter to the House of Representatives today.

Last year, the Netherlands decided to concentrate development cooperation in four priority areas: food security, water, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and public order and safety. Last year, it took the first important steps in the area of food security. After water, it will turn its attention to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The new water policy is not limited to traditional fields like drinking water and sanitation. ‘We also want to increase food security and boost production through more efficient use of water in farming and by helping people live more safely in deltas and coastal areas. Economic growth converges with the forces of nature in these areas, and the Netherlands has the expertise to deal with the problems arising from that,’ said Mr Knapen.

read more

Water Top Sector

The water sector focuses on the protection of the Dutch coast, as well as on water-saving systems and water technologies for water recycling. The supply of fresh water available to consumers is gradually diminishing. The Netherlands seeks to anticipate this trend by exploring sustainable solutions to flooding and freshwater shortages.

Water is a market that is constantly changing, while also offering plenty of opportunities to gain profits. The international market is large and growing rapidly: our goal is to double the added value of the Dutch water sector in the period leading up to 2020.

read more