AMSTERMAD: Addressing a crowd of Korean university students, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Wednesday that his country welcomes young global talents to study and work in the world’s leading innovation-driven economy.
In a meeting at the Seoul Metropolitan Library, Rutte highlighted opportunities in the Netherlands, famous for its liberal society and innovative marketplace.
“There is no hierarchy in the Netherlands,” he stressed in front of some 70 students at the bottom of the hall. Pointing up toward the stairs, he added, “Much like the space we are in, professors look up to the students, and so do the prime minister and secretaries with the people. This has allowed our country’s creativity, openness and venturing spirit.”
Holland’s first liberal prime minister in 92 years — came to Korea from Sept. 26 to 28 on his first state visit since being elected in October 2014. His tour returned South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s visit to the northwestern European country in March 2014.
Underlining the industrious Dutch startup scene, the politician said small and medium-sized enterprises make up the bulk of the national economy. Alongside the UK, France, Finland and Luxembourg, among others, the Netherlands has one of Europe’s leading startup ecosystems.
As a key policy that encourages entrepreneurship, Rutte said the government notifies the amount of tax to be paid by companies five to 10 years ahead. The corporate response to this has been positive, he claimed, as it allows future planning and financial forecast.
“The relative lack of policies has actually freed up creative initiatives,” he underscored, adding that “creative people don’t like to follow regulations. They like to do things their own way.”
He also pointed out that Holland has many international schools, where curriculums are taught in English for students from all around the world, and solid infrastructure that allows quick travel across the country.
