Greater Amsterdam economically powerful region

In 2005, 30 cents out of every euro of value added in the Netherlands was generated in the regions surrounding the four largest cities; the Amsterdam region accounted for 12 cents. The capital’s strong position is partly due to the presence of Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. The sector commercial services plays a prominent part in the city as well as the region.

Four largest cities economically important

The four big-city areas contributed over 30 percent to the national economy in 2005. With almost 12 percent, the largest contribution was made by the Amsterdam region. The share of the Rotterdam region amounted to over 8 percent. The conurbations of Utrecht and The Hague both accounted for 5 percent.

Contribution of four big-city areas to the national economy, 2005

Amsterdam’s strong position partly due to nearby airport

The economic growth in the Amsterdam region was partly generated by Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. Commercial services accounted for nearly 80 percent of all services rendered in the region. The services sector, including transport, temp agencies, banking and wholesale trade had the highest growth figures in 2005, thus consolidating Amsterdam’s position as economy booster. 

Share of commercial and non-commercial services in the services sectors of the four big-city areas, 2004

Highest economic growth rate in conurbation of Utrecht

With 3.2 percent, the highest economic growth rate of the four big-city regions was recorded in the conurbation of Utrecht. The economic growth rate in the regions of Amsterdam (2.9 percent) and Rotterdam (1.7 percent) was also above the national growth rate of 1.5 percent. In the conurbation of The Hague, the growth rate of 1.5 percent equalled the national growth level.

Economic growth rates in four big-city areas, 2003–2005

Many economic activities contribute to economic growth in Utrecht

Various economic activities within the sector commercial services contribute to the economic growth in the conurbation of Utrecht; business services account for more than 25 percent of total value added in this region. Banking and wholesale trade are also prominent in Utrecht. The strongest growth was recorded in banking, but business services and wholesale trade also performed above average. Manufacturing industry and the construction sector performed poorly. Within the sector manufacturing industry, electrotechnical and transport equipment slumped. A slightly negative growth rate was recorded in the sector construction.

Maayke Mooibroek