Bilateral Cooperation

The Netherlands and the United States work closely together in a wide range of fields, including defense, innovation, climate, and trade. 

Both nations often agree to this collaboration through letters of intent or memorandums of understanding that reflect our shared commitment to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Below is a example of some of these agreements. 

Title: Program of Cooperation Between the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment in the Life Sciences & Health Sector

Participating Entities: Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment 

Operational Partner: Netherlands Innovation Network in Boston

US Signatories:  Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, MassBIO, Termeer Institute

Dutch Signatories: Health~Holland, hollandbio, Dutch Association for Innovative Medicine, Netherland-America Foundation

Description: Signed in October 2022, the agreement between Massachusetts and the Netherlands in life sciences and health builds upon the memorandum of understanding in life sciences and health between Massachusetts and the Netherlands (signed in 2019), recognizing both regions as leading life sciences hubs.

The agreement strengthens transatlantic collaboration in biotech and health sectors, focusing on improving patient outcomes. It achieves this by key annual activities including exchange programs and fellowships to promote talent mobility; events including mission, workshops, conferences and joint research initiatives; and support for startups, scale-ups and researchers. 

Title: Economic Cooperation in the Semiconductor Sector

Participating Entities: Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Arizona Commerce Authority

Description: Signed in January 2025, Arizona and the Netherlands agreed to intensify their efforts on innovation, talent development, and the commercialization of products and services in the field of semiconductor technology.

Read the press release (in Duttch).

Title:  Furthering Semiconductor Supply Chain Cooperation

Participating Entities: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, New York State

Description:  Signed in June 2024,  the agreement recognizes New York's and the Netherlands’ shared interest in promoting sustainability within the semiconductor industry, enhancing joint workforce development opportunities, and advancing semiconductor research and development.

 It allows for the exchange of best practices between New York and the Netherlands to drive innovative and sustainable solutions in semiconductor R&D and manufacturing. 

Read the press release.

Title: Advanced Air Mobility Cooperation

Participating Entities: California, Province of North Holland

Description: Signed in March 2024, the letter of intent In calls for North Holland and California to actively exchange knowledge and experience on the developments and possibilities of innovative sustainable aviation.

Read the press release (in Dutch).