RETRO 2008

· Practical assistance was provided to Brazilian exporters, Brazilian importers, Dutch exporters, and Dutch importers on a daily basis.

· In depth coaching was provided to Dutch investors in Brazil, and introductions catered for on behalf of Brazilian investors in the Netherlands.

· A working week was organized with the new Brazilian Ambassador to the Netherlands Mr. José Arthur Denot Medeiros, visiting top executives of the Dutch multinationals in São Paulo. The Ambassador would also reinforce Dutcham´s Advisory Board as Honorary President.

· A working visit to Brazil was coordinated for the Holland International Distribution Council HIDC.

· Assistance was provided to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Itamaraty, in the preparations for the official visit to the Netherlands by President Luis Ignacio (Lula) da Silva.

· A seminar was organized on the occasion of the visit to Brazil by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade Mr. Heemskerk, and the Mayor of Rotterdam Mr. Opstelten.

· The Chamber participated in the Council of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Brazil.

· A benchmark study was conducted by a Dutcham assistant at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Buenos Aires with which closer ties of cooperation were subsequently made.

· Newsletters were produced and distributed among member-companies in the Netherlands.

· Newsletters were produced and distributed among member-companies in Brazil, notably the “Holland Business Bulletin” in cooperation with the Dutch Consulate General.

· Certificates of origin, end-user certificates, and specific declarations were issued.

· “Business Borrel” cocktails were organized in cooperation with the Dutch Consulate.

· A comprehensive Yearbook was edited, printed and distributed in Brazil and in the Netherlands.

· A second edition of the practical “Kompas” guide was edited, printed and distributed among existing and potential Dutch investors in Brazil, whereto cooperation was obtained from the Dutch diplomatic service in Brazil and the Dutch Governmental Agency for Foreign Trade EVD.

· The Chamber maintained its representation in the European Chamber of Mediation and Arbitration.

· Board meetings were held, apart from a General Assembly, and several breakfast workshops for the Legal, Fiscal and Human Resource Committees.

· Editorials about Brazil were provided for several news media in the Netherlands.

· Brazilian international trade-fairs in the Netherlands were promoted in the Netherlands and vice-versa.

· Several presentations about doing business in Brazil were given in the Netherlands, and a strategic conference was organized together with the Brazilian Embassy.

· A working visit to the Netherlands was undertaken by the Managing Director.

· The web-site www.dutcham.com.br with links to member sites and other facilities was updated and further enhanced. The average number of monthly visitors surpassed 3.500.

· Production and delivery was undertaken of several surveys and market-studies.

· Several groups of Dutch University students were received, and workshops provided.

· Presentations about doing business in Brazil were provided for several incoming groups from the Netherlands.

· In-door workshops were given for management of several Dutch multinationals visiting Brazil and executives taking on local assignments.

· A year-end dinner party for members and friends was organized in São Paulo.