The municipality of Westland has been a key partner of the Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) since its foundation, playing a strategic role in fulfilling shared international aspirations. This partnership was recently renewed, a development that led us to speak with Bouke Arends, the Mayor of Westland Municipality and also a prominent ambassador of the Dutch Greenhouse Delta.
Dutch Greenhouse Delta was established in 2018 to position Dutch horticulture globally as a prominent brand. Founders Hein van der Sande (Certhon), Wouter Kuiper (KUBO), and Westland's former mayor Sjaak van der Tak laid its foundations. His successor, Mayor Bouke Arends, has been pivotal in globally promoting the Netherlands' comprehensive solutions for sustainable food production. As an ambassador of DGD, he brings this exceptional horticultural hub to the global stage, enhancing its recognition both internationally and locally. To continue bolstering Westland's economic potential, the collaboration between DGD and Westland Municipality has recently been extended.
Westland: The Epicenter of Global Horticulture
Mayor Bouke Arends proudly speaks of Westland's unique standing in the global horticulture landscape. "Nowhere else in the world will you find such a dense concentration of greenhouses and horticultural suppliers as in Westland. If the horticultural sector was a country, Westland would be its capital," he says. This region is a powerhouse in business, academic research, and education. As an ambassador for this thriving Greenport, Mayor Arends plays a crucial role in enhancing its global appeal, benefiting the local and international business community.
Strengthening Trade Through Diplomatic Collaboration
The Westland Municipality actively supports DGD's mission to position the sector as a prominent global trading partner, particularly through diplomatic engagements. Participation in trade missions and hosting international delegation visits are areas where the mayor's involvement significantly benefits the business sector. The presence of a government official often unlocks opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
Mayor Arends explains: "In some countries, it's a given that discussions first take place at the governmental level. From our role, we can establish a strong foundation. This leads to commercial opportunities from which the business sector benefits."
Mayor Arends cites the trade mission to Kazakhstan in April 2023 as a prime example of the synergy between DGD and Municipality of Westland. The participation of Mayor Arends as DGD's ambassador enabled DGD's partners to establish connections with key international stakeholders. The significance of these relationships is evident in various successful follow-up engagements. "Recently, we hosted the Kazakh ambassador to a geothermal project in Westland, showcasing our region's pioneering role in sustainable practices," says Arends.
Road2Osaka: A Unified Vision for World Expo 2025
Looking ahead, Mayor Arends highlights plans to explore new markets that are beneficial for the horticultural sector jointly. He expresses anticipation for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Dutch Greenhouse Delta and Westland Municipality are set to play an important role in the horticulture sector's presentation leading up to this global event. "The road towards the World Expo, as well as the event itself, presents an outstanding opportunity to showcase our horticultural strengths to international governments and investors," he explains.
"Our municipality lays the diplomatic groundwork while DGD facilitates key connections, paving the way for our horticulture sector to make a significant impact in the global trade arena. Together, we contribute to advancing global food security and promoting sustainable cultivation of flowers and plants."
For more information:
Dutch Greenhouse Delta
info@dutchgreenhousedelta.com
www.dutchgreenhousedelta.com