BHOS-beleidsnota

Reactie

Naam	SPARK (CEO Y Du Pont)
Plaats	Amsterdam
Datum	14 april 2022

Vraag1

(see english below)
Nexus (samenhang) Ontwikkelingssamenwerking & Buitenlandse Handel

Het Nederlandse bedrijfsleven kan door middel van handel, investeringen en marktkracht een belangrijke rol spelen bij een aantal van de grote wereldwijde uitdagingen van deze tijd. Om de Nederlandse inzet richting het bedrijfsleven een focus mee te geven wordt gekozen voor een focus op de “twin-transities”; de digitale transitie (via onder meer artificiële intelligentie) en de verduurzamingtransitie. Deze twin-transities op digitale innovatie en verduurzaming zullen de komende jaren een grote rol spelen om de Parijs en Glasgow-doelen voor klimaat te halen. Die doelen moeten we in Nederland halen, maar ook wereldwijd. Hoewel er een grote behoefte is aan Nederlandse expertise en investeringen, zien we dat meer nodig kan zijn om het Nederlandse bedrijven te betrekken bij deze transities in (lage en) midden-inkomenslanden.

1. Hoe kan het Nederlandse bedrijfsleven meer betrokken worden bij de twin-transitie in (lage en) midden-inkomenslanden?


(EN)
Nexus between development cooperation and foreign trade

Through their trade, investment and market position, Dutch businesses can play a key role in tackling some of the major challenges facing the world today. The focus of Dutch policy vis-a-vis the private sector will be on the 'twin transitions' of digitalisation (including artificial intelligence) and sustainability – both of which will be key to achieving the Paris and Glasgow climate goals in the years ahead. We must achieve these goals not only in the Netherlands, but across the world as a whole. While Dutch expertise and investment funding are in great demand, we also see that more may be needed when it comes to getting Dutch companies involved in these transitions in low- and middle-income countries.

1. How can we increase the involvement of Dutch companies in the twin transitions in low- and middle-income countries?

For many years it has been a challenge to involve Dutch companies in low and middle income countries, especially in fragile and conflict affected states (FCAS). This is logical since the risk profile of these countries and the investment needed to do business there is high.
In an attempt to increase the involvement of Dutch companies we need to step up de-risking and support mechanisms, especially for FCAS. Moreover, existing instruments should receive concrete targets for FCAS involvement as we observe most attention (logically) now flows to the LMICs and least risky locations.. To facilitate local partnerships for Dutch companies with local organisations and business is another requirement to increase in involvement: Dutch companies often lack local networks and the knowledge about the local context. Hence, more investment in groups with relevant networks and boots on the ground that can support.

Vraag2

Nederland kent een lange traditie van publieke private samenwerking. Nu de mondiale uitdagingen steeds groter worden, is het van belang deze publiek-private samenwerkingen te verdiepen en te versnellen. De duurzame ontwikkelingsdoelen zijn in 2015 vastgesteld als actieplan voor overheden, bedrijven, kennisinstellingen en burgers om duurzame ontwikkeling te verwezenlijken wereldwijd.

2. Hoe kunnen overheid, bedrijfsleven en kennisinstellingen beter samenwerken om de duurzame ontwikkelingsdoelen te halen?

(EN)
The Netherlands has a long tradition of public-private partnership. As the global challenges grow ever bigger, it is important to deepen and accelerate these partnerships. The Sustainable Development Goals were presented in 2015 as a plan of action for governments, companies, knowledge institutions and private individuals to achieve sustainable development worldwide.

2. How can government, the private sector and knowledge institutions work together better to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?

In this light we would like to point out the significantly underutilized possibilities of the TEAM Europe and the delegated cooperation funds in the European Union. For the Netherlands we see many possibilities to carry out its mission and priorities financed by EU.
In fact, the Netherlands is currently missing hundreds of millions of European development budgets that could be used to realize the Dutch ambitions in our priority countries (LDCs and LMICs) in the field of Agriculture, Climate, Water and Economic development in collaboration with the business community.
The lion's share of the European delegated development budget has been going to three entities in France and Germany for years: together both countries receive no less than 80% of the so-called delegated European development funds in order to scale their own priorities.
Converted that is about 6 billion euros between 2010-2019. In the same period, the Netherlands is not even on the list of beneficiaries.
We are highly convinced that if the Dutch government works on this closely together with NGOs and the private sector, new EU funding can be available to carry out the NL mission abroad. In times of tights budgets following the Ukraine-Russia war, this would be an investment worth making.

Vraag3

Nederland heeft sinds 2016 een actieplan beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling. Beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling heeft als doel om in niet-hulp (OS) beleid schade voor ontwikkelingslanden te verminderen en synergiën en samenwerking te versterken. Het Nederlandse actieplan is in 2018 herzien en geeft een overzicht van vijf Nederlandse beleidsthema’s die een invloed hebben op de ontwikkelingskansen in ontwikkelingslanden. Deze thema’s zijn: (1) het tegengaan van belastingontwijking/ontduiking, (2) ontwikkelingsvriendelijke handelsakkoorden, (3) een ontwikkelingsvriendelijk investeringsregime, (4) verduurzaming van productie en handel en (5) het tegengaan van klimaatverandering.

3. Hoe kan de bovengenoemde Nederlandse inzet op beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling verder versterkt of verbeterd worden?

(EN)
The Netherlands has had an action plan on policy coherence for development since 2016. The aim of policy coherence is to reduce the negative effects on developing countries caused by policies in areas other than development, and to strengthen synergies and cooperation. The action plan, which was revised in 2018, identifies five Dutch policy themes that can enhance developing countries’ opportunities for development: (1) combating tax avoidance/evasion, (2) development-friendly trade agreements, (3) a development-friendly investment regime, (4) more sustainable production and trade, and (5) combating climate change.

3. How can the Netherlands’ efforts to achieve policy coherence for development be further strengthened or enhanced?

No input other than support for the principle, whereby we note that its crucial that in this discussion the development goals remain leading over other interests. We do observe in reality that when there is a clash of interests, it is still often times that other interests than development interests prevail.

Vraag4

Buitenlandse Handel
Internationale handel en investeringen zijn van groot belang voor de Nederlandse welvaart en werkgelegenheid. De Nederlandse welvaart wordt voor een derde verdiend door internationale handel en een derde van onze banen zijn verbonden aan internationale handel. Onze internationale concurrentiepositie is onderhevig aan de “twin-transities” (digitalisering/innovatie en klimaat/duurzaamheid) en verschuivende geopolitieke verhoudingen. Het is voor Nederland van groot belang om het verdienvermogen te versterken nu en in de toekomst.

Strategisch en duurzaam handelsbeleid
In anticipatie op de geopolitieke en transitie-ontwikkelingen sturen ook buitenlandse staten sterker op hun nationale en internationale beleid. Zo passen staten in toenemende mate assertievere economische diplomatie toe en zetten zij economische machtsinstrumenten in om hun internationale doelen na te jagen. Nederland kan hierin niet achter blijven. De verwevenheid van ons land met de rest van de wereld is groter en kwetsbaarder dan ooit. Als onderdeel van een samenhangend buitenland beleid, zal Nederland zich toeleggen op een strategisch en duurzaam handelsbeleid.

4. Hoe kan de overheid het duurzame verdienvermogen van Nederlandse bedrijven in het buitenland versterken?

Foreign trade
International trade and investment are crucial to prosperity and jobs in the Netherlands. International trade accounts for a third of our national income and is linked to a third of our jobs. But our international competitiveness faces risks posed by the twin transitions (digitalisation/innovation and climate/sustainability) and the shifting geopolitical balance of power. It is therefore vital for the Netherlands to strengthen its earning capacity, both now and in the future.

Strategic and sustainable trade policy
Other states are also anticipating the above-mentioned transitions and geopolitical shifts, and are adjusting their national and international policies accordingly, for instance by pursuing their international objectives through more aggressive economic diplomacy and the use of economic instruments of power. The Netherlands cannot afford to fall behind. Our country’s interconnections with the rest of the world are both greater and more fragile than ever. The Netherlands will therefore focus on strategic and sustainable trade policy as part of its coherent foreign policy.

4. How can the government strengthen Dutch companies’ sustainable earning capacity abroad?

It is vital that the private sectors grows in low and middle income countries, especially now that is becoming clear that for example in fragile states the SDG’s are not going to be met. One way to grow the private sector and support local markets is to involve Dutch businesses, which can help develop local markets and share expertise and knowledge with the local businesses in order for them to grow. The Dutch government should facilitate partnerships for these Dutch businesses with local financial institutions, government organisations and businesses. The government can also support in providing derisking tools from RVO, FMO and Dutch ministries themselves. The main challenge in our view is to make entry of Dutch firms in FCAS countries possible.

Vraag5

Thema’s en sectoren van de toekomst
Nu de wereld in transitie is om een goede toekomst voor ons en de generaties na ons te bewerkstelligen verandert de focus van bedrijven, overheid en kennisinstellingen.

5. Op welke thema’s of sectoren ziet u kansen om internationaal te ondernemen?

(EN)
Themes and sectors of the future
The focus of companies, governments and knowledge institutions is changing in light of the global transition to ensure a bright future for current and future generations.

5. In which themes or sectors do you see opportunities for international enterprise?

Agribusiness: The agricultural sector has always played a vital role in the economies of developing and fragile countries. So first of all institutional reform of the agricultural sector is crucial to build food security and inclusive growth. Then, focus on how to best support local smallholders and commercial farmers starting to (re-)engage in (post-conflict) markets and with local institutions. To this process international and Dutch businesses can contribute by sharing knowledge and expertise, while also become a player in market partnering with local businesses – strengthen the supply chain for example.
Digitization: Since Covid-19 the digitization of the world has accelerated all over the globe, creating a wide range of new opportunities. Depending on the needs of people digital solutions can be used by many, for example digital access to finance to support entrepreneurs or digital ID’s for refugees. By default the digital divide between the well off in developing countries and the vulnerable populations is growing. Your policy should be about limiting this divide by unlocking especially access to digital technology for the most vulnerable.
Green entrepreneurship: Green entrepreneurs are seizing business opportunities that can result in the improvement of ecological sustainability. To become a green entrepreneur in developing countries, not to mention fragile regions, is rather challenging. Therefore, we need to be realistic in setting our green and impact goals – economic development is already difficult as it is. However, with awareness about climate change and protecting the environment is growing, the numbers of green entrepreneurs are rising. They need urgent support as they put forward vital issues as conservation of energy, recycling, reusability in combination with the development of the economy.

Vraag6

Samenwerking publiek-privaat en rol Midden en Klein Bedrijf (MKB)
Een succesvolle aanpak op het gebied van internationale handel vraagt samenwerking tussen burgers, bedrijven, maatschappelijke organisaties en de overheid. Het is nuttig om aan te sluiten op de behoeftes van de markt. Waar zijn bedrijven (specifiek het MKB) mee geholpen om de exportkracht en innovatiekracht te vergroten?

6. Hoe kan de overheid het bedrijfsleven (specifiek het MKB) dat internationaal onderneemt (of dat zou willen) beter ondersteunen om zaken te doen in het buitenland?
a. Welke ondersteuning hebben bedrijven nodig om internationaal succesvol te zijn op terreinen van digitale innovatie (innovatiesamenwerking) en verduurzaming?
b. Voor handel met welke landen (of regio’s of markten) zou ondersteuning moeten zijn?
c. Wat zou de overheid op het gebied van handelsbevordering niet meer moeten doen?

(EN)
Public-private cooperation and role of SMEs
A successful approach to international trade requires cooperation between the public, companies, civil society and government. It is also useful to align with market demand. What would help companies, and SMEs in particular, to increase their export performance and innovative capacity?

6. How can the government better support companies (and SMEs specifically), that are doing or wish to do business abroad?
a. What type of support do companies need in order to achieve international success in the areas of digital innovation (innovation partnerships) and sustainability?
b. For what countries, regions or markets should the government provide private sector support?
c. What type of trade promotion activities should the government stop doing?

First of all support and facilitate SMEs doing business in fragile and conflict-affected states in derisking their business and providing local support services to them on the ground. Secondly, support governments and financial institutions in creating and developing markets. Thirdly, match Dutch SMEs to local SMEs and support them making joint venture promotions. All of this should be measured by giving all relevant Dutch instruments and subsidies concrete targets in FCAS.
We can stop supporting business in emerging markets that will grow even on their own and additionality is by now questionable. We need invest in those places (like FCAS) where clearly this will not occur without engagement.

Vraag7

Ontwikkelingssamenwerking
Development cooperation

Nederlandse inzet op Ontwikkelingssamenwerking

Nederland is op verschillende thema’s actief op gebied van ontwikkelingssamenwerking. Zo investeren we in het realiseren van de Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) en zetten we extra in op opvang in de regio, toegang tot vaccins, klimaatadaptatie en -mitigatie. Nederland gaat door met wat goed gaat en focust op waar Nederland goed in is, zoals verbinding tussen diplomatie en ontwikkelingssamenwerking. Meer informatie over het ontwikkelingssamenwerkingsbeleid van Nederland is te vinden op www.nlontwikkelingssamenwerking.nl.

7. Waar is Nederland op het gebied van ontwikkelingssamenwerking volgens u goed in? Op welke thema’s zou Nederland een aanjagende rol kunnen vervullen?

(EN)
Dutch development cooperation activities

The Netherlands is actively pursuing a number of policy themes in the area of development cooperation. For example, we're investing in efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reception in the region, access to vaccines, and climate adaptation and mitigation. The Netherlands will continue its efforts in areas where progress is being made and will focus on its strengths, such as linking diplomacy and development. For more information about Dutch development policy, go to www.nlontwikkelingssamenwerking.nl.

7. In your opinion, what are the Netherlands’ strengths when it comes to development cooperation? In which policy themes could the Netherlands play a leading role?

A very wide ranging question.
NL was historically a front runner in European collaboration, in fact a founding father of the EU. We should use this tradition as our strength and work much more closely together with the EU and Team Europe, as suggested in our answer to question 1. There are many opportunities for NL carry out its mission abroad by leveraging EU development funds, which should be seized. More importantly such engagement would also enable the Netherlands to instill its values in the design of the EU development architecture in the field of transparency of selection, awarding the best proposals instead of political driving allocations to main members states, etc..
Localisation: in recent years NL has put more interest in localisation of development, meaning NL has been successfully advocating to increasingly shift the power to the targeted countries for development cooperation. We don’t, however, see such shift in thinking taking root in UN organisations yet. Now we have come to the stage that we can further professionalise and start measuring this localisation and position ourselves as a role model, so that other countries can learn from our experiences, failures and success. This also requires the NL Gov setting localisation targets (measurable) to all its grantees, both INGOs, but also in particular UN Organisations.

Vraag8

Innoveren op OS

Nederlandse internationale samenwerking is flexibel en kennisintensief, we zijn vernieuwend. Zo ontwikkelt Nederland nieuwe manieren van werken en partnerschappen die daarna door bijv. de Europese Commissie en Wereldbank worden opgepakt of opgeschaald. De Nederlandse internationale samenwerking fungeert dus veelal als een creatieve en kennisintensieve incubator (een broedplaats voor nieuwe ideeën. Nederland is een relatief kleine donor, maar als lidstaat van de EU en via bilaterale hulp kan Nederland de zichtbaarheid van EU-hulp vergroten en additionele relevante kapitaalstromen generen.

8. Op welke manier en op welk vlak kan de Nederlandse ontwikkelingssamenwerking nog meer innoveren?

(EN)
Innovative development cooperation

Dutch international cooperation is flexible and knowledge-intensive. We are also innovative, developing new ways of working and new types of partnership that are subsequently adopted or scaled up by others, like the European Commission and the World Bank. In this respect, Dutch international cooperation is like a creative and knowledge-intensive incubator. We are a relatively small donor, but as an EU member state and through bilateral aid we can make EU aid more visible and generate additional, relevant capital flows.

8. In what other ways and areas could Dutch development cooperation innovate more?

The sector, supported by the Dutch government, could and should step up its efforts to scale up successful NL initiatives by Dutch NGO’s and their partners by means of EU Delegated Cooperation and GCC states cooperation, as well as corporate foundation (CSR) financing. In our view, based on in depth research, these opportunities are not at all being seized at scale by the Netherlands and urgently need boosting. Other states such as Germany, US, UK, France seem to be far better at this and we can learn from them. This can be done in direct cooperation with the Dutch development sector who will be a formidable partner in this effort.
Moreover: by rekindling taking risk in development. Taking risk and experimentation and accepting and learning from failure is essential for innovation to occur.

Vraag9

Een donor met durf

De Nederlandse internationale inzet is gedurfd, omdat we financiële investeringen koppelen aan onze diplomatieke inzet en expertise. We continueren thema’s waar we traditionele meerwaarde hebben: seksuele en reproductieve rechten en gezondheid (SRGR), water, voedselzekerheid en veiligheid & rechtsorde. Daarbij kunnen we nog meer gebruik maken van het diplomatieke gewicht van o.a. de EU. We investeren in systeemverandering om te zorgen dat we de SDG’s in 2030 realiseren. Met systeemverandering bedoelen we dat we de systemen die armoede en ongelijkheid in stand houden aanpakken.

9. Op welke manier/welk vlak kan Nederland als donor nog meer durf te tonen?


(EN)
A bold donor

Dutch international efforts can be characterised as bold, because we link financial investment to diplomatic efforts and expertise. We will continue our work on themes where we have always added value: sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), water, food security, and security and the rule of law. We will also make better use of the diplomatic weight of the EU. To ensure we achieve the SDGs by 2030, we will invest in systemic change, i.e. tackling the structures that maintain poverty and inequality.

9. In what ways or areas could the Netherlands, as a donor, be even bolder?

There are many ways for the Netherlands as a donor to be ‘bolder’ and therefore create many new opportunities for both Dutch businesses abroad and local organisations and businesses. We see a growing tension between a desire to be bolder on the one hand, but a political reality under which taking risk in development is politically discouraged. This is worrying. Especially, in recent year the Netherlands has become much more risk averse in our perception. Ministries fear the Parliament and cabinet fears public perception of failure. How to be bolder in this context will first of all require leadership by the Minister and Ministry management level. Hence the question would be on how to regain this ground?
- Rekindle taking risk in private sectors and support de-risk mechanism (support and facilitate Dutch and local businesses in doing so) especially in FCAS.
- Change of mentality in development sector: taking is risks is good and making mistakes is necessary (allow NGO’s to take risks and learn from their mistakes) but then also rearding risk taking, even is things go wrong. This will require political support and positioning vis a vis the parliament.
- Invest in fragile and conflict-affected regions across the world (in these regions people need our support the most and should not be left behind) and accept not all goes well by default in these locations, and promote open discussion and drawing lessons and sharing these widely once this occurs.
- Dare to continue programmes and projects in so-called forgotten (conflict) areas such as Yemen, and soon Syria and Afghanistan.
- Invest long term: create programme tickets for 5 years or longer, instead of 2-3 years, which allow for more experimentation and initial risk taking to learn and adopt before scaling proven methods.

Vraag10

Afrondende algemene vraag

10. Heeft u nog andere punten van aandacht die u vindt dat meegenomen dienen te worden in de nieuwe beleidsnota?


(EN)
General closing question

10. Are there any other points that you believe should be included in the new policy document?

Plenty, but we'll stick to the above and BHOS is close to completion.