Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland in the south-west of the country.
Rotterdam was built near the New Meuse River and received its city rights in the 14th century. After being almost completely destroyed by bombings in the Second World War, the city was rebuilt in the second half of the 20th century. This propelled it into the modern era; it has now become one of Europe’s major industrial centres.
Useful facts:
- Size: 304 km2
- Number of citizens: 598,923
- Population growth rate: 0.2%
- Languages: the official language is Dutch, but most people speak fluent English.
In 2001 Rotterdam was the Cultural Capital of Europe, famous for its urban renewal projects and numerous cultural and economic activities.
Rotterdam is the industrial heart of the Netherlands and also the economic, social and cultural centre of the country. In addition, it forms part of the so-called Randstad, a single metropolis consisting of a number of Dutch industrialized cities that are gradually expanding towards one another.
- Labour force: 409,000
- Key sectors: agri-food sector, petrochemical and maritime industry and container traffic
- Main knowledge centre: Development Centre for Socially-Responsible Business, Erasmus University
Rotterdam has Europe’s biggest port and is, therefore, often called the ‘Gateway to Europe’. The Port of Rotterdam has a strong relationship with the Port of Shanghai; the only port in the world that exceeds the port of Rotterdam in terms of containers and the amount of oil shipped. It is the city’s biggest employer and accounts for 1.7% of the gross domestic product.
Rotterdam offers investors unique business opportunities because of its excellent connections by water, road, rail and pipeline. The city plays a key part in the European import and export of bulk and general cargo.
In addition, Rotterdam can also boast the country’s second biggest airport, surrounded by a new business park, extending over 200 km2. Particularly lucrative sectors are the chemical industry and ocean-going containers and their distribution.
- Business events: Rotterdam offers diverse state-of-the-art facilities for congresses, conventions and trade fairs, e.g. the Ahoy’Rotterdam and the Erasmus Exhibition and Congress Centre.
- Policy of subsidies: the Rotterdam Development Corporation offers full support to companies starting or expanding their operations from Rotterdam.
- Port: Port of Rotterdam
- Airport: Rotterdam Airport
