Twenty Chinese companies have committed themselves to investing 683 million euros in the Netherlands.

At a conference in The Hague Chinese investors signed twenty contracts, the biggest of which involves a 300 million euro investment in real estate. The Chinese are also putting money into cleaner energy and ship building.

Twelve other Chinese companies signed a letter of intent to invest in the Dutch economy.

Deputy Economy Minister Frank Heemskerk reacted favourably to the deals. "They help Chinese companies in getting a foothold in The Netherlands. This provides new opportunities for Dutch enterprise, and strengthens our position as gateway to Europe," Mr Heemskerk said.

The two-day conference in the Dutch political capital was organised by Wecba, China's biggest commercial association, representing the top 500 Chinese companies. The association announced it is opening a permanent office in the Netherlands.

Hongkong Financial Centre (Photo: flickR/Franck Chilli)