"Medical tourism seen as area of opportunity"
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson met with drs. Ton Jonker from the Amsterdam Economic Board during a recent working visit to the Netherlands. The meeting was facilitated by Director of the Sint Maarten House Perry Geerlings.
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has all of the key assets to be an innovative and economically strong region. Due to strong clusters, the Amsterdam Area can play a pioneering role both nationally (within the Netherlands) and internationally.
In order to fully exploit this potential, collaboration between governmental agencies, research institutes and the trade and industry sector is essential.
Under the umbrella of the Amsterdam Economic Board, representatives from governmental agencies, research institutes and the business world have jointly taken responsibility to work towards strengthening the economy of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. The Board strives to stimulate and support sustainable collaboration, innovation and growth in the region, and strengthen international competitiveness.
Minister Richardson presented his Road Map plans of his ministry in an animated film, and out of the discussion with Jonker, some areas of overlap and cooperation were discussed, in particular Tourism and Conferences. The Board rep also indicated medical tourism as an opportunity for possible cooperation.
The Cabinet of the Sint Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary will follow-up on the medical tourism potential.
In order to give shape to Amsterdam's regions, eight main economic clusters were designated for the area with sustainability, Europe and Talent being significant themes evident in all of them.
The clusters are: Creative Industries; ICT/e-Science; Life Sciences & Health; Financial & Business Services; Logistics; Flowers & Food; Tourism & Conferences; and High Tech Materials.
The Minister's delegation comprised of Chef de Cabinet and Personal Advisor Ludwig Ouenniche and Jaap van Duinkerken from Ministry TEATT.
