The Dutch central bank has announced that the Netherlands is the world leader in outgoing investments abroad and in incoming foreign investments.

Figures published recently by the International Monetary Fund show that, at the end of 2009, the country's direct investments abroad totalled 3,700 billion dollars. This was money invested by Dutch businesses in enterprises outside the Netherlands.  Conversely, foreign investments in the Netherlands totalled 3,000 billion dollars.

In second place was the United States with outgoing investments worth 3,500 billion dollars and incoming investments of 2,300 billion. Third in the world ranking was Luxembourg with 1,750 billion dollars and 1,800 billion dollars respectively.

(imm/ae)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide