Commercial services dominate economy in North Holland and Utrecht
In 2005, the services sector accounted for nearly three quarters of total value added generated in the Netherlands. In two thirds of cases, these services were provided by banks, auditors and computer service companies.
North Holland and Utrecht have highest share in commercial services
By far the highest share of commercial services were provided in North Holland and Utrecht in 2005. In these provinces, nearly two thirds of the economy consisted of services provided by the sectors trade, transport and financial and business services. With approximately one third of value added, the share of commercial services was lowest in the provinces of Groningen and Zeeland.
Share commercial services by regio, 2005*
Commercial services prevail in Greater Amsterdam area
In the past, cities were bustling with industrial activities, but this is no longer the case. In Greater Amsterdam the share of commercial services was as high as 71 percent in 2005, but there were substantial differences within this region: in the Haarlemmermeer (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport) trade and transport accounted for three quarters of commercial services. In the city of Amsterdam, on the other hand, financial and business services (banking, auditor and consultancy services) prevailed.
In the other three major Dutch cities, commercial services also accounted for more than half of the economy in 2005, although the share was less substantial than in the capital. Rotterdam was only just above the nationwide average, but a high industrial activity rate (26 percent) is typical of the Rotterdam region. The share of commercial services was also relatively low in The Hague due to a wide range of government institutions.
Share commercial services in the four major Dutch cities, 2005*
Financial and business services booming
Within the sector commercial services, financial and business services are booming. Their share in the national economy has risen since 1995 to reach 28 percent in 2005. Financial and business services were fairly important in the provinces of Utrecht, North Holland and Flevoland, accounting for approximately one third of value added in 2005.
In Flevoland, financial and business services sector mainly consisted of a few large lease companies, whereas in North Holland banking and insurance services were important. In Utrecht – next to financial institutions – computer service companies made a significant contribution to the local economy.
Paul Mangoenkarso