Themes
Zuid-Holland is the most important province of The Netherlands in terms of economy, agriculture and the provision of services. With its busy network of roads, railways and waterways around the port of Rotterdam (the 5th largest port in the world), Zuid-Holland is one of the most important junctions in European business for combined water, road, railway and air transport. Lying in a Delta area mostly below sea level, Zuid-Holland has a strong history in water management. Zuid-Holland is a livable environment, well-protected by the government. Modern agriculture and horticulture, Life Sciences, ICT, and Logistics belong to the strongest sectors in the region.
To find synergy with Chinese partner regions in the areas where Zuid-Holland’s strengths lie and the Chinese side has a demand or vice versa has always been the largest objective of Zuid-Hollands China activities.
In the fields of water management, environmental protection, modern agriculture and horticulture development, Zuid-Holland has a lot to offer, for example in the concept of sponge city. These sectors therefore form the basis of the cooperation agreements with Hebei resp. Shanghai Pudong.
Horticulture
Greenport / Agro & Food
Europe's leading Greenport is based in Zuid-Holland. Boasting the largest horticultural sector in the world, the region has ranked among Europe’s top five food exporters for many years. Intensive relationships with Wageningen University & Research and TNO keep the available agro & food knowledge up to date. The knowledge infrastructure and high public investments in R&D make the Greenport one of Europe’s top agro & food locations.
The largest Zuid-Holland Greenport has its epicentre in Westland and Langsingerland. Hundreds of businesses are based here. Vast quantities of fruit and vegetables are shipped via the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe. One key asset of the Greenport is the strong synergy with the maritime and transport sectors, ensuring that fresh produce is efficiently and quickly transported to destinations across the globe. The Greenport knowledge institutions collaborates with companies such as Siemens to develop a new energy system for the agro & food sector.
Facts & Figures
80% of the world’s horticultural innovations originate in The Netherlands. The overwhelming majority of these innovations originate from Zuid- Holland.
Zuid-Holland is home to three of the five national Greenports: Westland-Oostland, Duin- en Bollenstreek and Boskoop.
These three Greenports jointly account for about 72,000 direct jobs, while creating several times more indirect jobs.
Our region produces over 6 million tonnes of products annually, with a production value of about EUR 5.5 billion.
580 greenhouse companies receive CO2 as residual heat from industrial locations in Rotterdam.
Water
Water cooperation Hebei
Zuid-Holland has a long history in dealing with water. Floodings, quality issues, industrialization and urbanization have strengthened the necessity for a strong water management policy and expertise.
Water cooperation Shanghai Pudong
Large projects and (urban) developments take place in Pudong: the Zhangjiang High-tech Park, the World Expo, the towers in Lujiazui which are so typical for the Shanghai skyline. However, the infrastructure lags behind in Pudong. Most of the infrastructure dates from the late 20th and early 21st century.