You’ve been the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman since 2021. Can you tell us about the key initiatives you are most proud of?
H.E. Stella Kloth: At the Netherlands Embassy, our primary focus is on sustainability and combating climate change. Our economic initiatives revolve around three main pillars: energy transition, sustainable logistics, and water management.
Given our embassy’s size, we prioritize key areas where we can make the most impact, especially in addressing climate change. We also align our efforts with Oman’s needs, which often intersect with our sustainability goals.
Could you highlight specific projects within these pillars that stand out?
H.E. Stella Kloth: In the energy transition, a significant milestone was the 2022 memorandum of understanding between our Prime Minister and His Excellency Salim Al Aufi. This agreement focuses on import-export corridors to the Netherlands, knowledge sharing, and training. Oman’s strategic position, with its ample land, wind, and solar resources, coupled with a stable political climate, makes it ideal for this transition. The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s main energy hub, is central to this collaboration.
Another highlight is the two-decade-old joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Sohar. This partnership has significantly boosted the Dutch business presence in Oman and enhanced logistics and port management collaboration.
In water management, our cooperation dates back to 2016, involving knowledge exchange between universities, ministries, and the private sector on issues like flooding and irrigation. This long-standing collaboration is a source of pride.
I’m also proud of the high-level visits between our countries, including our Foreign Minister’s visit to Oman last October and various Omani ministers’ visits to the Netherlands. These visits have strengthened our bilateral ties and paved the way for future cooperation.
How do you envision leveraging this partnership to enhance both countries’ positions in the emerging hydrogen economy?
H.E. Stella Kloth: The Netherlands brings advanced innovations and technologies in green hydrogen, while Oman offers vast resources. This synergy is perfect for creating partnerships and joint ventures. Europe’s demand for green energy is immense, and Oman is a crucial partner in meeting this demand. Before fully transitioning to green hydrogen, we might focus on blue hydrogen as a transitional phase.
The Dutch government has assembled a consortium of over 30 companies, from SMEs to large corporations like the Port of Rotterdam, specializing in various aspects of hydrogen production. This consortium’s visit to Oman during the last Green Hydrogen Summit set the stage for future partnerships.
What types of collaborations or projects would you like to see Dutch companies pursue in the Omani market that haven’t started yet?
H.E. Stella Kloth: With the recent auction round concluded, there are opportunities for Dutch SMEs to engage in Oman’s energy transition projects. This phase is particularly exciting as it allows these companies to establish meaningful partnerships and contribute significantly.
What advice would you offer to Middle Eastern entrepreneurs seeking to do business with European companies, particularly in the Dutch market?
H.E. Stella Kloth: The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest energy port, presents a significant opportunity for Omani companies to invest and establish their presence, perhaps through setting up storage facilities for hydrogen. This would facilitate their distribution network within Europe. Furthermore, fostering business opportunities for startups is crucial. Both Dutch and Omani startups, with their innovative solutions, play a vital role in the energy transition. Interaction between these startups during the World Hydrogen Summit showcased the potential for collaboration, and it’s something we should encourage.
