Deloitte is reinforcing the Netherlands-Japan partnership with innovation, collaboration and transformation.
Stefan Verrips, leader of Deloitte Netherlands Japanese Services Group, describes how the firm is empowering Japanese and Dutch businesses as they face new challenges and opportunities.
The alliance of the two countries, which is 425 years strong, has always been founded on mutual values.
“A relationship can only endure with mutual respect and a shared commitment to establishing, maintaining, strengthening and deepening the bond. It involves a delicate balance of giving and receiving,” Verrips said.
For Deloitte, the relationship is a key factor in guiding companies to adapt and prepare for the future. The company supports clients in priority areas such as innovation (artificial intelligence and smart factories), digital transformation (cyber, data and technology) and sustainability (hydrogen and low-carbon solutions and energy-saving).
The Netherlands is an important location for Japanese businesses in Europe, particularly in sustainability and digitalization. Numerous projects are serviced from Dutch offices, with experiences and insights actively shared across the wider Deloitte network, further enhancing teamwork between Dutch and Japanese teams.
This collaboration is key to tackling the many challenges both nations face, from responding to regulatory changes and fighting climate change to driving technology innovation.
“We aim to make a meaningful impact through the work our people do every day for Deloitte clients around the world, including Japanese multinationals,” Verrips said.
Sectors like machinery, agriculture, food, energy transition, cybersecurity, high-tech and finance are the characteristic features of the present Dutch-Japanese business relations.
Looking ahead, Verrips sees the Osaka Expo as a real opportunity to strengthen business ties.
“I expect successful business delegations visiting the expo in Osaka. I am confident that many will be pleasantly surprised by the rich aspects of Japanese (business) culture, innovation and collaboration,” he said.
Deloitte is proud to support this growing spirit of connection and progress. Reflecting on his journey, Verrips said, “Relationships are key, and while it is certainly possible to build these from the Netherlands, establishing a strong, trustful and long-term relationship in person is invaluable and requires time.”
With true collaboration, innovation and mutual respect, Deloitte is helping shape and strengthen the future of the Netherlands-Japan partnership.
