Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Frank Heemskerk wants the World Trade Organisation to rap China on the knuckles for alleged protectionist behaviour. He accuses Beijing of forcing Finnish shipbuilder Wärtsilä to move its ship engine and thruster production from the Netherlands to China. At least 570 Dutch jobs will be lost because of the move.
Mr Heemskerk says China's action violates international trade laws. Beijing is stepping up its demands that all parts of Chinese products are made in China.
The issue had been raised with the Ministry of Economic Affairs by the employers' organisations VNO-NCW and EVO.
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
The factory in Drunen where hundreds of jobs may be lost (Photo: Wärtsilä)
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