Invest International and the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative

The Netherlands is one of the world’s most open economies and Europe’s gateway for trade, supported by its strategic location and world‑class infrastructure. Trade has long driven Dutch innovation, productivity, and growth. In a global environment marked by supply chain disruptions and rising trade costs due to more protectionist policies, structural international investments are increasingly important to preserve trade-driven prosperity.

By investing strategically in international markets, supporting Dutch companies in scaling abroad, and building coalitions with high‑growth frontier economies, the Netherlands can strengthen its economic resilience and secure future engines of growth. In this context, the EU’s Global Gateway provides a powerful platform to connect Dutch expertise to strategic growth markets, scale innovative solutions and reinforce long-term partnerships. It also contributes to Europe’s strategic autonomy by supporting access to sustainable supply chains, resilient infrastructure and trusted international partners.

Invest International works with export credit agencies, development finance institutions and banks to mobilise private capital and maximise impact. In the Dutch context, this takes shape through a “Team NL” approach together with the Dutch ministries, embassies, the Permanent Representation in Brussels, sector specialists, financiers and private companies. We play a central role in this ecosystem alongside RVO, FMO, Atradius Dutch State Business and employers’ organisation VNO-NCW. By structuring blended finance solutions and linking Dutch companies to international opportunities, we help turn policy ambitions into bankable and scalable projects. Our combined trade and development finance expertise positions us as a natural frontrunner within Global Gateway.

Koen Doens, Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission:

“Global Gateway is not traditional donor-recipient aid. It’s a new form of win-win partnerships underpinned by strategic investments that unlock opportunities and bring benefits for partner countries’ economic development and strength and ensure European competitiveness by enabling businesses to access and succeed in markets globally.”

This role is visible in flagship initiatives across Africa. In 2025, Invest International was involved in advancing the Lobito Corridor and the Northern Corridor, two major Global Gateway transport and agro logistics programmes. These initiatives aim to unlock regional trade, improve food security and connect African producers to global markets through sustainable infrastructure and logistics solutions.

Eelco Benink, Director Business Development & Innovation at Invest International:

“Global Gateway opens doors for Europe and the Netherlands. By bringing Dutch technology and expertise to high growth markets, we strengthen our own economic resilience. Through our investments, we contribute to economic growth at home and abroad while helping the EU deliver on its global ambitions.”

Looking ahead, the newly launched EU Global Gateway Investment Hub will further strengthen this approach. The Netherlands is preparing a strong pipeline of proposals through coordinated Team NL efforts, ensuring that Dutch companies and knowledge institutions can participate at scale. Closer collaboration between Invest International, RVO, FMO, Atradius DSB, VNO-NCW and the Dutch government will be essential to identify opportunities early, structure competitive bids and bring integrated Dutch solutions to the European level.