BHOS-beleidsnota

Reactie

Naam	International Water Management Institute (Julie van der Bliek)
Plaats	Colombo, Sri Lanka
Datum	15 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?

The SDGs and climate goals should be guiding as the overall objective. Involvement of Dutch companies in these twin transitions should ultimately contribute to achieving this overall objective. To support them in being this vehicle, the Dutch government should assist them in defining proper risk management strategies, developing a better understanding of local capacities and two-way exchange of experience and knowledge, ensuring that their investments and operations are sustainable and appropriate for the low- and middle-income countries.

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?

Proposed policies / investments / programmes should be checked against the SDGs to ensure that they indeed contribute positively to achieving the SDGs.

Jointly developing, testing, (sourcing) financing and scaling innovations to contribute to achieving the SDGs and climate goals.

Dedicated funds for risk management and capacity building for knowledge institutes (Dutch and Southern) to participate in PPPs. E.g. regarding capacity building, there is a lot of exchange happening in the water sector through NWP but how can this become more an exchange mechanism of mutual support to Dutch and Southern organizations.

Explore innovative financing mechanisms to stimulate and support PPPs, including blended finance mechanisms and export credit finance (export credit verzekering).

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?

The Netherlands' policy for Trade and Development Cooperation should ensure a coherent implementation of the SDGs, and prevent situations whereby certain policies support, for example, food, water or energy goals, while increasing gender inequality or vulnerability to climate change (unintended impacts) .

Follow nexus approaches consistently, exploring synergies between sectors, impacts and trade-offs. For example thinking beyond IWRM (Integrated Water Resource Management) as an approach, which views other sectors from a water sector lens, but consider different sectors equally through a nexus lens such as water, energy, food and environment.
Include ex-ante evaluations of policy proposals considering impacts on gender equality, inclusion, poverty, water security, food security, biodiversity.

Incorporate sustainability and climate change impacts in the assessment of investment portfolios. Dutch companies investing abroad should have a full understanding of their CO2 and water footprint and be held accountable. Companies who do not fulfill these requirements should not be considered for support.

Climate policies and programs of the Ministry of Trade and Development Cooperation should be coordinated with other relevant ministries in the Netherlands e.g. the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry for Agriculture Nature and Food quality, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

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?

To be competitive, the Dutch government can play a role in ensuring that Dutch companies strengthen their earning capacity in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Dutch companies need to be forward looking and take into account future realities through predictive modelling and risk assessment of climate change impacts, extreme events, changes in the hydrological cycle, water risks and socio-economic changes in the countries and environments where they plan to invest / increase their operations. They should be supported in developing sustainable business models and comprehensive impact assessments of the climate, environmental and water footprints of their international business operations.

Furthermore, encourage collaboration with civil society / NGOs to understand local issues and concerns and incorporate these in their strategies; and collaboration with knowledge institutions to incorporate innovation.

To facilitate private sector investments in these countries, sectors and innovations, requires a certain level of de-risking and tailoring to these specific situations and thus a certain level of public funding.

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?

Water security, the impact of climate change on the hydrological cycle, innovations to adapt to these changes and cope with extreme events.

Sustainable food systems – taking into account climate change impacts, sustainability, planetary boundaries.

More generally knowledge development with a focus on applied research.

Continued capacity development, including South-South collaboration.

Both agriculture and water are key sectors contributing significantly to GHG emission and impacted extensively by climate change. Hence an important opportunity would be to guide climate relevant investments to these sectors in developing economies.

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?

A. SMEs will need a better understanding of risks along supply chains and in different localities / setting. This can be supported by:

• Make use of new data sources: Improvements in (climate) risk assessments and impact monitoring, incorporating social and environmental values, can be facilitated through collaboration with knowledge institutes capitalizing on new developments in earth observations, modelling tools and AI.

• More detailed understanding of local situations: Global tools / data help identify hotspots and create awareness but location specific data are key to move to action and understand risks in supply chains. For example, floods and droughts; local labour laws, position of women and indigenous populations are very localized. This will support SMEs to move from assessment to action, implementing a forward-looking approach. Global data sets can be complemented by local data / expert guidance to identify action required to minimize risks and increase positive impact.


B. Countries and regions where climate change impacts are more severe, water scarcity, conflict over natural resources, geopolitical consequences from water insecurity. With the transboundary nature of water also look beyond countries at regional and basin approaches.

Markets: Focus on sustainable products / production to contribute to the achievements of the SDGs and considering that the general public will be more aware of and concerned about impacts such as carbon and water footprints; and fair trade principles.


C. Any type of trade that is not locally adapted, is unsustainable in the longer term and does not positively contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and climate goals.

It will not be effective to prioritize exclusively the economic perspective of the Netherlands. A longer-term and more holistic approach should incorporate the SDGs, climate goals and perspectives of countries in the global South in the assessment of activities and companies to be promoted by Dutch government.

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?

- Integrated management of natural resources and food systems including water management
- Nexus of water, energy, food and ecosystems – cross sectoral collaboration
- The rule of law and governance: for example building on experiences of the International Court in the Hague and governance mechanisms for water management (e.g. the Water Boards)
- Climate change adaptation, in particular responding to water-related impacts

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?

- Provide thought leadership in areas like water management and food systems. Collaborate and coordinate with other funding partners and governments in these areas.
- Invest in activities for scaling of innovations across sectors through private sector partnerships. There are many solutions / innovations developed in food, land and water systems but they need scaling.

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?

- Concentrate activities in few priority countries and focus on key sectors
- Stimulate collaboration, coordination and co-financing with other donors and investors
The Netherlands should be at the forefront of integrating climate, sustainability and environmental goals into trade and development cooperation policies, programs and investments.

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?

The SDGs and climate goals which have been universally pledged, should be guiding for this twin strategy of trade and development

The global problems which we are facing are complex and include many future uncertainties. The role of knowledge institutes – Northern, Southern and global – is crucial. Giving space to applied research by financing sufficiently broad and long-term programs is crucial.

The role of civil society /NGOs seems virtually absent in the questions above while they will continue to play and increasingly important role, this needs attention in the policy.

It is fully recognized that public funding and government partners alone are insufficient to solve these global problems and increasingly cooperation with the private sector and private finance is being sought. Many developing countries are less stable, have a less developed private sector and a multitude of risk factors. To facilitate private sector investments in these countries, sectors and innovations, requires a certain level of de-risking and tailoring to these specific situations and thus a certain level of public funding.