Deloitte is reinforcing the Netherlands-Japan partnership with innovation, collaboration, and transformation. Stefan Verrips, Leader of Deloitte Netherlands Japanese Services Group (JSG), describes how the firm is empowering Japanese and Dutch businesses as they face new challenges and opportunities.
Bridges: The Netherlands and Japan are celebrating 425 years. What are some of the key drivers of this long-standing relationship?
Verrips: A relationship can only endure with mutual respect and a shared commitment to establishing, maintaining, strengthening and deepening the bond. It involves a delicate balance of giving and receiving.
The origins of our relationship trace back to the year 1600 when a Dutch ship named “De Liefde (Love)” arrived in Japan during a time when the Netherlands was emerging as a strong trading nation. Our approach to trade, our willingness to share knowledge in science and our respect for Japanese culture were key elements, enabling the Netherlands to serve as Japan’s sole European trading partner for over 200 years.
Both nations hold values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in this regard. Even today, mutual respect and a collaborative spirit remain fundamental to this special relationship.
As a ‘transformation partner’, Deloitte is dedicated to supporting business communities in the Netherlands and Japan. What recent successes would you like to share?
We aim to make a meaningful impact through the work our people do every day for Deloitte clients around the world, including Japanese multinationals. Our impact is achieved through client-serving teams and enabling areas that set our businesses up for success.
We aim to make a meaningful impact through the work our people do every day for Deloitte clients around the world, including Japanese multinationals.
Stefan Verrips, Leader of Deloitte Netherlands Japanese Services Group (JSG)
Presently, we are focused on significant topics such as innovation (like smart factory, AI), digital transformation (covering cybersecurity, data, technology) and sustainability transformation (like low-carbon, hydrogen, energy saving) as well as process and organisational improvement.
Among our clients in the Netherlands, we engage with many European regional headquarters that are addressing these matters, often motivated by requirements set by their global headquarters in Japan or by EU/local regulations. In one of our recently successfully completed European organisational redesign project the key success factor were the JSG professionals, well-versed in Japanese business, seamlessly working together as one team across Europe and Japan.
The sustainability reporting projects are mainly managed from the Netherlands in cooperation with our specialists. The sustainability development, including reporting, will continue, also in Japan. The obtained experience in The Netherlands is actively being shared with Japan, both by our clients as well as within Deloitte.
What key industries define the Netherlands-Japan economic relationship, and how is Deloitte supporting companies within these sectors?
I would say that the relationship is evident across various sectors including innovation, machinery, agriculture, food, energy (transition), cybersecurity, (high-)technology and finance/banking.
In light of recent developments, defence and resilience have become more important for both countries as well. In addition, we are also providing services to the Japanese government and where they can learn from the system in the Netherlands.
As Deloitte we are dedicated to helping people and organisations solve challenges– one solution at a time. With our multidisciplinary teams we bring people, disciplines and original solutions, created with intention, utility and purposes, together.
What are your expectations for the Expo 2025 Osaka in terms of increased trade and investment between Japan and the Netherlands?
The Expo 2025 Osaka presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the Netherlands. Mutual respect and collaboration are essential in addressing global challenges which resonate deeply with the theme of the Netherlands “Common ground”, which theme is close to my heart.
I expect successful business delegations visiting the Expo 2025 in Osaka. I am confident that many will be pleasantly surprised by the rich aspects of Japanese (business) culture, innovation and collaboration. Likewise, I hope that Japanese visitors will discover the depth of knowledge and innovation spirit we have.
I am confident new relationships will be established and existing connections will be further strengthened. We are especially proud of the Dutch pavilion which has been designed and built entirely according to circular principles by a Dutch-Japanese consortium.
As Deloitte Netherlands’ Japanese Services Group (JSG) leader, what have been the most rewarding aspects of working with your Japanese friends?
© Deloitte
From the moment I arrived in Japan, I knew this would be special. The country, its culture, the people and way of interacting are all truly fascinating. Relationships are key and while it is certainly possible to build these from the Netherlands, establishing a strong, trustful and long-term relationship in person is invaluable and requires time. Once these connections are formed, they tend to be for the long-term.
I find great fulfilment in the appreciation, dedication, drive, collaboration and cohesiveness that we experience. Together we can make meaningful progress.
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