Netherlands - background market data

Population — 16.3 million. Language Dutch. Boat ownership is high, estimated at around 1:64.

Currency — Euro (€): £1= €1.4797, US $1= €0.7883. The US dollar has weakened against both the euro and the pound over the past twelve months. In fact, the dollar is roughly seven per cent weaker against the euro and the pound than in the autumn of 2005.

Government — Following the break-up on June 30 of the three-party centre-right government, a caretaker government composed, as before, of the centrist Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the centre-right Liberals (VVD), but excluding the small left-liberal Democrats 66 (D66), is now in office to prepare for an early election on November 22nd and to submit the 2007 budget.

Economy — Consumer price inflation (EU harmonised) was 1.9 per cent in August, up from 1.7 per cent in July, mainly as a result of steep rises in prices for fresh vegetables. This is still amongst the lowest in the EU. The general government budget is likely to be close to balance in 2006-07.

GDP growth is forecast to accelerate to 2.9 per cent over 2006, as private consumption and investment recover, before declining slightly to 2.6 per cent in 2007.

After averaging 1.5 per cent in 2005, inflation (EU harmonised measure) is forecast to stay below 2 per cent during the remainder of 2006. The current account will record surpluses of about 7.5 per cent of GDP in 2006-07.

Restrictions — Compulsory driver licensing for vessels capable of more than 20kmph and/or over 15m (49ft) in length. Widespread 20kmph speed limit on many inland waterways. No waterskiing within 200m of shore. No mandatory registration.

Industry Body — HISWA, Hoofdstraat 82, 3972 LB Driebergen, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 299 391 919. Fax: +31 299 391 929. Email: hiswa@hiswa.nl. Website: www.hiswa.nl. Contact: Managing director, André Vink. ICOMIA member.

Key boat shows — Boot Holland, Leeuwarden. Normally held in February and attracts 350 exhibitors and 50,000-plus visitors.

— Amsterdam International Boat Show. Normally held in February/March and attracts around 570 exhibitors and 100,000-plus visitors.

• METS, Europe’s key marine equipment trade event. Held annually in November. Attracts around 925 exhibitors and 12,000-plus trade-only visitors.