The NIDV is committed to the positive positioning of the Dutch defence and security sector both domestically and abroad. International trade offers many opportunities for the Netherlands. Many countries highly value the chance to do business with the Dutch defence and security sector because of its strategic position in Europe, innovative companies and knowledge institutes, and the good international relations we’ve built up over many years.

To support the Dutch industry in its efforts to do business internationally, the NIDV organises a variety of events:

Conference/Exhibitions

The NIDV participates in various conferences and exhibitions, both in Europe and further abroad. We base our choice of which events to participate in on the number of opportunities that event will generate for the Dutch defence and security sector.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the NIDV organises a NL pavilion when we participate in exhibitions.

This way, companies can present their products and services to industry leaders and decision makers during the exhibition. Because the Dutch companies are located close together in the pavilion, we also present a clear image of what Dutch industry can do for our international partners.

Trade missions

Trade missions organised by the NIDV can have various goals or purposes, such as:

• A focus on innovation
• Promoting a specific domain such as air, land, or maritime systems
• Focus on a theme or product, such as the F-35

The exact program varies per mission, but will always include visits to the local industry or government institutions. A delegation is composed primarily of industry representatives, though it will also include Dutch government representatives. Such as representatives of the ministries of Economic Affairs or Defence. Trade missions often receive local support from the Dutch embassy.

Matchmaking

During our matchmaking events, participating companies can engage in brief B2B or B2G meetings to get in contact with industry leaders and decision makers. This way, participants can speak to a great number of people over a short period of time and explore opportunities together.

Partners for International Business (PIB)

Partners for International Business is a public-private partnership between the industry and the Ministry of Economic Affairs which usually last for around 3 years. Participating companies are granted a budget with which they can fund their efforts to position their cluster as effectively as possible in a foreign market. Currently, the NIDV coordinates PIBs with Greece and South Korea. The NIDV also coordinated the PIB Malaysia, which ended in 2025 after the program was extended twice. The companies continued their activities with support from the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC).

The cluster is also put in touch with the Dutch embassy in the target nation and a local liaison. The liaison can help set up activities and reach out to important local stakeholders in the defence and security sector. To facilitate the positioning of the cluster, the NIDV organises participation in various exhibitions and matchmaking events as part of the PIB program.

Visit the PIB Greece website

Visit the PIB South Korea website

Visit the Malaysian cluster website

Trade compliance

The Dutch defence and security sector takes its responsibility in the trade of military and dual-use products very seriously. As such, the NIDV and our participating companies, take concrete measures and cooperate with each other, the Dutch government and international partners to ensure we comply with international standards and regulations.