Jorn Douwstra

Background

About Jorn Douwstra

As manager of the International Trade & Investment team of Rotterdam Partners, I am responsible for the strategy and implementation of attracting foreign direct investment and retention of international companies, the trade promotion strategy and talent services via our Rotterdam Expat Centre. Our team of 14 colleagues offers a wide range of services to assist foreign companies with setting up or expanding operations in Rotterdam, together with Invest in Holland partners. We also strengthen the local economic ecosystem by offering help, guidance and network to local companies that want to explore new international markets together with the Netherlands Trade & Innovate network. And we help new internationals coming to live in Rotterdam with a smooth welcome proces. In my previous role as a business manager, my focus was on the maritime industry and maritime business services. I helped various companies develop a business case by providing information, connecting them to relevant partners, supporting them in location selection and guidance throughout the decision making process. Aside from ensuring a soft landing for companies, I also coordinated the Investor Relations Program within Rotterdam Partners to monitor and collect feedback from our current investors. This feedback is addressed at local, regional and national level to improve the entrepreneurial climate in order to keep Rotterdam as attractive and competitive as possible given political choices. During my secondment in 2017 to the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, I fulfilled the position of senior project manager with focus on the Life Sciences & Health and Agri-Food sectors.