During the AGM held on Wednesday May 15 the Chamber's Policy Committee presented the 2013 Investors' Agenda of Priority Points - AmCham's policy suggestions to the Netherlands' government to improve the investment climate. The lead items of the Priority Points are:
Closing the Skills Gap: A Coordinated and Strategic Approach for Future Needs
1. Invest more in education, talents and skills.
2. Institute an EU points system in immigration for scarce human resources.
Stimulate Participation and Flexibility
1. Reform the unemployment benefit system
2. Ease employment protection legislation for regular contracts
3. Stimulate dialogue and policy on different (life-cycle) career path patterns.
Taxation: Together We Stand Tall
1. Stability, consistency, predictability and simplicity of the tax legislation
2. Base Erosion & Profit Shifting discussion requires multilateral approach and unanimity
3. Abolish dividend withholding tax for qualifying treaty residents
4. Unrestricted tax loss carry-forward
Each heading is expanded upon and specific policy measures are pointed to. Click here to read the full version of the 2013 Priority Points (English) or read the 2013 Priority Points in Dutch.