Expand your business abroad

Rotterdam is often referred to as the 'gateway to Europe'. Our harbour is the centre of Europe's biggest maritime cluster, and we maintain a world-class quality within many other economic sectors. Strategically located in Europe, we facilitate a strong global ecosystem.

The Dutch, and ‘Rotterdammers’ in particular, have always been exceptionally strong in the field of trade. Within our city, Rotterdam Partners facilitates global trade and international expansion. We do this in close collaboration with the municipality of Rotterdam and our extensive network of partners within and beyond our city’s borders. We both organise trade missions ourselves, and we actively participate in incoming and outgoing trade missions. These trade missions are always placed within a broader context of trade expansion programs for specific sectors or countries.

Photo: tugboat with a large container ship at the Port of Rotterdam

Rotterdam Partners is joining two trade missions to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan in September 2025. Focused on energy, circularity, and offshore wind, these missions aim to strengthen Rotterdam–Japan business ties.

Photo of the Dutch pavillion at the World Expo in Osaka. We seen people walking the square in front of the pavillion.,

Rotterdam Partners is part of the Trade and Innovate NL (TINL) network, a Dutch collaboration of national and regional public partners that help Dutch entrepreneurs and companies with their international ambitions. Our collective efforts are focused on sustainable growth and strengthening the Dutch international competitive position.

Entrepreneurs examining local food cultivation during a trade mission to India.

Rotterdam is known as the gateway to Europe. Our port is at the centre of Europe's largest maritime cluster and with Erasmus University, Erasmus Medical Centre and TU Delft our city and wider urban region boasts internationally acclaimed research and knowledge institutions, driving our local economy. Rotterdam is always looking for new and innovative ways to help businesses grow, especially when they are connected to these key industries.