Strengthening Dutch–Brazilian cooperation: Highlights from the Netherlands Lounge at Fenasan 2025

It featured our dedicated Netherlands Lounge as the focal point for Dutch-Brazilian collaboration in the water & sanitation sector. The event was a tremendous success, delivering strong results and high visibility for the Netherlands’ water expertise in Brazil.

The Netherlands Lounge served as a dynamic exhibition and meeting space where Dutch engineering companies, technology providers and knowledge partners networked with Brazilian utilities, municipal sanitation operators, regional water authorities and private-sector players. 

Strategic hub for Dutch-Brazilian engagement

Eight participating Dutch organisations were represented in the joint stand, benefitting from shared logistics, collective branding, matchmaking support and dedicated conference visibility.

The participants held dozens of one-on-one meetings with Brazilian counterparts – ranging from São Paulo region utilities to federal sanitation agencies – at the Lounge, fostering new contacts and deepening long-standing partnerships.

Networking drinks – our ‘Orange Toast’ event – added an informal layer of connection, enabling representatives to build trust, exchange visions and explore collaborative opportunities across technology, financing and project implementation.

Collaboration and deal-making in action

Several Dutch participants reported substantive follow-up discussions with Brazilian utilities on key themes such as water and wastewater treatment, digital solutions, efficient sludge management, water loss, sustainable algae control and water management, and solar powered and decentralised water technology. The discussions focused on efficiency, climate resilience, and natural resource protection, often building directly on prior engagements. Many now show signs of moving towards pilot projects, joint bids and long-term service agreements.

Existing Dutch-Brazilian partnerships were strengthened through face-to-face meetings. Meanwhile, new leads were generated through matchmaking facilitated by NWP, the Dutch Consulate-General in São Paulo, and the NBSO Office in Porto Alegre. The outcome was improved business pipelines and a growing momentum for Dutch water technology in Brazil’s expanding sanitation sector.

Conference session: ‘Dutch Water Innovation: expertise with global impact’

In parallel with the exhibition, NWP – in partnership with the WTEX10 Programme – arranged a conference session entitled ‘Dutch Water Innovation: expertise with global impact’. The session brought together Dutch and Brazilian speakers, including utility-representatives, technology providers and policy-makers, who shared insights on how Dutch innovation can transfer to the Brazilian market. 

The session was well attended, and set the stage for follow-up activities between Dutch companies and Brazilian stakeholders.

Appreciation and acknowledgements

We extend our sincere thanks to all who made this success possible:

• The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in São Paulo for their unwavering support, facilitation of local stakeholder engagement and promotion of the Dutch water sector throughout the event.
• The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Brasília for their strategic backing, enabling high-level access in Brazil and ensuring that Dutch participants were fully supported.
• The WTEX10 Programme, for co-organising the conference session alongside NWP and for promoting the Dutch water technology sector’s trade and innovation goals.
• The organisers of the Fenasan event for delivering a high-level, professionally curated exhibition and conference. Their excellent organization created the ideal setting for the Netherlands Lounge and enabled meaningful engagement with Brazilian stakeholders across the water and sanitation sector.
• All Dutch participating companies, institutes and knowledge partners for their professionalism, energy and commitment to making tangible connections in Brazil.
• And of course, our Brazilian counterparts – utilities, sanitation operators, municipal authorities, regional agencies and private sector partners – thank you for sharing your goals and your challenges, and for exploring cooperation with the Netherlands.

Looking ahead

With the groundwork laid at Fenasan 2025, the Dutch water sector is poised to convert these promising connections into concrete actions. Over the coming months, we expect a series of follow-up activities: pilot studies, consortium development, contract discussions and market entry work aligned with Brazil’s sanitation growth agenda.

NWP will continue to support these trajectories – facilitating matchmaking, market intelligence, project-structuring assistance and public-private engagement – to ensure Dutch water technology expertise achieves genuine impact in Brazil.

Once again, congratulations to all the participants for a strong performance at Fenasan 2025! Together, we are advancing the Netherlands’ role in the global water sector and forging lasting collaboration in Brazil.

For more information on future missions, trade fairs and how your organisation can engage with the Netherlands’ water sector abroad, visit our calendar and/or contact our team: Marieke Leenhouts, Mirjam van Buchem, or Machteld Goossensen.