Though the global economic crisis has forced many companies into bankruptcy over the past year, the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has seen 126 International companies choose to set up their affairs in the area, as statistics from Amsterdam inbusiness (aib) has revealed.

Of the 126 companies a total of 114 have established new bases directly in the area while another five businesses already based in the Netherlands have moved their operations to the hoofdstad, including Crocs, Peugeot / Citroen and Douwe Egberts. The new ventures have resulted in the direct creation of 1.344 jobs.

It was also revealed that the area is now home to some 2.000 international companies which accounts for around 15 percent of overall employment. Although in recent years the region has normally attracted some 100 to 120 companies annually, these latest figures are particularly pertinent in light of the rise in bankruptcies.

Carolien Gehrels, the Alderperson concerned with economic affairs is quoted as saying "That we continue to attract new international businesses and hold onto established companies gives us confidence for the future. Over the coming years we’ll go even further."

Most of the investment has come from North American businesses, 52 in total, and the aib sees the continent’s involvement in the ICT sector and creative industry as the main reason for their prominence.

The majority of the new jobs have been created in both sectors as well as in business services. They do, however, cite a "contracting market" for Asian products as the reason for a slight drop in investment from the East.

With many internationally-orientated business operating in the area and easy accessibility provided by Schiphol Airport there is tangible hope that such growth can continue through tough times.

Source: I amsterdam