The west's most densely populated country must seek its fortune abroad while at home trying to ensure the optimal use of scarce space.
Next month sees the publication of a long-awaited policy document on spatial planning.
The memorandum comes as signs grow that the country is struggling to juggle the demands of business with the living needs of its population. This struggle is set to continue as this year Dutch business is forecasting bumper profits as companies benefit from domestic consumer demand. In January the Dutch prime minister Wim Kok is set to initiate the debate on how to ease strains on the country's public services and physical infrastructure.