Rotterdam is the world s largest and busiest port. Amsterdam and Rotterdam have become centres of large industrial complexes with oil refineries, petrochemical plants and shipyards. Much of the Dutch industry is concentrated in an area known as the Randstad, which, besides Amsterdam and Rotterdam also includes The Hague, and Utrecht, which has become an important exhibition centre. Other important centres include Utrecht, Eindhoven, Groningen, Tilburg, Apeldoorn, Haarlem, Enschede and Arnhem. The Netherlands is a net exporter of agricultural products.
Principal crops are sugar beet, potatoes, cereals, vegetables, fruit, bulbs and flowers.
Dairy farming is of particular importance. Because the Dutch are known for their diversification and innovation, Dutch industry presents a varied overall picture consisting of many small and medium - size firms and a number of very large concerns. The most important group comprises food, drink and tobacco manufacturers. Chemical and petroleum industries are also important. Some of the largest refineries in the world are based in the Netherlands.