JCC New Year Reception
Speaking notes Ms M.J.A. van der Hoeven, the Netherlands Minister of Economic Affairs, at the Japanese Embassy/ JCC New Year Reception, The Okura Hotel in Amsterdam, 15 January 2010
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
- It is a great honour to be here. Thank you to Mr Ambassador Shibuya and Mr Ichii, Chairman of the JCC up until tonight, for hosting this wonderful New Year reception. Mr Washizaki, congratulations on your appointment as JCC Chairman. I look forward to continuing the excellent relationship with the JCC.
- I must say: the Kagamiwari ceremonial that we are about to perform I consider to be very special. It is a great privilege for me to participate! It is a festive ceremony, steeped in tradition. A ceremony that is to be performed jointly. In this case, joining Japan and the Netherlands.
- For it is jointly that we embark on this New Year. Together we look forward to new experiences, new business ventures, and new technological development. Our key word this year will be 'innovation'. I very much admire the way in which Japan is able to merge old en new, tradition and innovation. We feel inspired by that.
- The economic and cultural ties that bind us are indeed rooted in mutual trust and a common endeavour to innovate. I am confident that in 2010 our mutual friendship will continue to flourish. We can inspire one another to go from strength to strength. That is what true partnership is all about, all the more so in times of economic difficulty such as ours.
- Our get-together here tonight illustrates beautifully just how vibrant Japanese-Dutch relations still are.
- After 400 years of shared history, I am sure the strong bond of friendship that is between us, will remain as strong as ever, for many centuries to come.
- As you will see, the book I am about to present is filled to the brim with photographs. These pictures give an beautiful overview of the commemorative events celebrating 400 years of Japanese-Dutch trade relations.
- Indeed, we can look back on a year that has proved successful in so very many ways.
- Many parties have worked hard to realise a programme of festivities that could do justice to the variety and richness of Japanese-Dutch relations.
- Personally, I have most wonderful memories of a great many events. Browsing through this catalogue of memories, really fills me with joy.
- Most special, I consider Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino's visit to the Netherlands. We felt most honoured by their presence at the commemorative luncheon in The Hague.
- And, of course, I mustn't forget the Sumo wrestlers I met in The Hague. They truly brought a piece of Japan to the Netherlands, and took part in the first Sumo wrestling tournament to be held in this country.
- Only last month I was here at the Okura to attend the Dujat diner and presented the Deshima Awards. I believe it is absolutely vital that the Netherlands remains open to foreign investment and international partnerships. Together with our partners abroad, we can work our way towards a sustainable future, in business and by supporting R&D activities, pushing the frontiers of our knowledge and expertise. Japan is very special to us in this regard. You will understand that I very much look forward to my next visit to Japan in April.
- Dear friends, you will all have the opportunity to look back upon this festive year, as you will all receive a copy of this book. Please accept it as a token of our appreciation, as a treasure trove of happy memories, and a source of inspiration for giving shape to our joint future.
- I would like to present the first two copies to Ambassador Shibuya and the chairman of the Steering Committee 400 years of Trade, Mr Rost Onnes.