International Business Today Autumn 2017

Welcome to the autumn edition of International Business Today – our first for 2017. In this edition we explore the Netherlands: the gateway to Europe. So dust off those old wooden clogs and break out the crackers and Dutch Gouda as Niels Strazdins gives you a special insight into this tiny powerhouse, strategically located between Europe’s two biggest continental economies. Niels explains why the Netherlands is now one of the hottest start-up hubs in Europe – and identifies opportunities for Australian exporters. The country provides an ideal place for Australian entrepreneurs and start-ups to begin their international journey.

Closer to home, Niels looks at the growing trade opportunities with the 10 nations that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – collectively one of the fastest-growing regions of the world. And although Australia now enjoys a strong trading relationship with our neighbours to the north, there is still plenty of scope to expand. The region is home to over 600 million people and a fast-growing middle class that is predicted to more than double in under a decade.

Also in this issue, our Postcard series focuses on Myanmar and identifies new opportunities for exporters in this emerging market. Readers are given a guided tour of Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, with tips on the best places to visit if you can find some spare time between business
meetings.