Toespraak burgemeester Van der Laan ter gelegenheid van de opening van de Amsterdam Branche van de Industrial and Commercial Bank of China op donderdag 20 januari 2011.
Distinguished Mr. Djiang, your excellencies Mr. Djang and Mr. Bekink, Mr. Hoogervorst, Mrs. Kellerman, Mr. Buijink, distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman,
Four hundred years ago, on April the fourth, in the year Sixteen Hundred O Nine, Henry Hudson sailed from Amsterdam across the Atlantic Ocean and arrived at a place which would soon get the name New Amsterdam. A lot of people know this story because this place is now known as New York.
What few people know is that when Henry Hudson embarked on his voyage, his actual intention was to find a short cut to China. His plan was to break the trading monopoly of the East Indian Company in Asia. Henry Hudson was very disappointed when he was unable to continue his voyage after passing Manhatten Island.
In the 21st century China and the Netherlands do not have to find short cuts anymore in terms of transportation. Chinese cargo find its way to Europe through the Ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam and KLM is opening one new passenger line to China after the other.
The Netherlands is already in the top three of China's economic partners in Europe. Transport connections are excellent but there are still barriers that prevent us from making full use of the enormous opportunities.
Mr. Djiang,
Basically, I have one thing to say to you:
Amsterdam warmly welcomes the ICBC!
It is my strong wish that ICBC's Amsterdam Branch will help to bring down remaining barriers between our countries. The financial services of ICBC will facilitate trade and investments between the two countries. But your bank will also help to create a better understanding between companies and people from China and the Netherlands.
In recent years more and more Chinese companies have settled in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
These companies find their way to the European market by using the Netherlands as a gateway. ICBC will contribute to the success of these companies.
ICBC Amsterdam can become a center of expertise for Chinese companies that want to go global. You literally can "lead the way."
When my predecessor and good friend Mr. Job Cohen met with you in Beijing he told you that ICBC would receive a warm welcome in Amsterdam and get all necessary support from the City of Amsterdam and from the Dutch government. I intend to keep this promise of my predecessor and support you in all possible ways.
And we can go one step further, Amsterdam will also support the clients of ICBC when they wants to do business in Europe. This is not polite talk. If you or your important client wants to do business here and need any help, please let me know. I will be there for you. The same goes for alderwomen for economic affairs, mrs. Carolien Gehrels.
After the recent turmoil in the financial system it will be good for both our countries' financial institutions and authorities to continue the exchange of views and experience.
The financial sector is of major importance to the economy of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Cooperation between China and the Netherlands in this sector is beneficial to both countries and we will actively support actions to develop closer ties and more exchanges in this area.
For your office and this ceremony you have chosen a location right at the heart of the museum district of Amsterdam.
By choosing an office right across the square from here, you have as your neighbors, the Rijksmuseum, home to the Dutch Masters and so much more, the Concert Hall, one of the favorite concert halls of the Chinese pianist Lang Lang and home base of the best orchestra in the world. Next door we have the Stedelijk Museum, I cannot wait for its renovation to be finished. And right here in the Van Gogh Museum the largest collection of that dramatic and passionate master who was one of the founders of modern art.
Your choice for this location shows that you have a very good understanding of Amsterdam:
putting creativity together with business,
showing respect for our heritage while being proud of your own,
using traditional icons to work on your ambitions for the future.
This is what Amsterdam is all about.
I promise you and the rest of the business community present here that cooperation with these cultural palaces will bring your company much benefits.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
You may notice from my words here that I am really very proud of this city and of ICBC's choice for Amsterdam and I hope so are you.
At a time when many people in the Netherlands complain about economic and social problems a Chinese bank says "we select Amsterdam in the Netherlands because we have confidence in this city and this country. " This is a great compliment. It should make us realize that we have something to offer to the world.
Henry Hudson attempted a risky sea voyage to find a short cut to China. Imagine how amazed he would be if he could join us here today. Amazed, but very pleased and proud. Because you are the short cut.
Congratulations and my best wishes for the ICBC Amsterdam Branch!
Thank you!