Bringing Dutch embassies and NWP members together
From 8 to 10 February, the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) held a successful Member Meet-up that focused on matchmaking sessions with Dutch embassies in Europe. During the first two days, NWP members had the opportunity to connect with the Dutch embassies in Ireland, Portugal, Hungary and Denmark. On 10 February, NWP Managing Director, Bianca Nijhof, updated members on some new programmes and projects, such as such as the WTEX10 Programme, Water for Food Programme and the innovation broker initiative. After that, members could connect with their peers and NWP staff through in 1:1 meetings.
During the matchmaking sessions with the embassies, NWP members pitched their products and projects, ranging from water treatment units to flood management software models and floating solutions. The embassies updated members on expected tenders, trends in the market, recent developments such as a new climate adaptation plan, and upcoming events such as an online expo on waste management and water treatment in Hungary.
It was a great experience to participate in the meet and greet arranged by Netherlands Water Partnership. The combination of local market knowledge and the specific working areas of the participating Dutch water companies has already contributed to the creation of new leads and focus areas. It was great venue for attaining knowledge, networking and sharing opportunities.
Atle Sommer
Senior Policy Officer at the Dutch Embassy in Denmark
The sessions turned out to be very fruitful for both parties; many connections were made and follow-up meetings were planned. "The embassy session was a very useful, intense speed date experience which gave me a fleeting glimpse of the state of the art and the challenges and opportunities in particular countries for our services in floating urban development. A great way to get quick replies, find out about the direction that the countries are moving in, and get ideas for follow-ups," explains Vicky Lin, Project Coordinator at Blue21. Also Mees Rijs, Business Developer at Nelen en Schuurmans, shares this positive experience: "I am positive about these 1:1 sessions; it is a great way of getting to know the embassy employees. During the meetings, we have identified several next steps we could take to expand our business.
NWP aims to co-create innovative and future-proof solutions. Together, we are a strong collaborative alliance of more than 180 of the most entrepreneurial and innovative companies, renowned knowledge institutes, involved NGOs and experienced governmental organisations. NWP does this by fostering proposition and project development for members, developing explicit membership products and services, and strengthening the members’ network through acquisition of new members and partners. Our Member Meet-up sessions are part of our strategy and they offer a means to connect important stakeholders of the water sector with each other.
Would you like to expand your business abroad as well? Let us work together and drive our water ambitions into the future. Contact NWP Membership Officer, Roos Kirsten, for more information.
