'Going Dutch means collaborating to cut logistics costs

The Netherlands is working hard to reclaim its spot at the top of the world logistics chart after dropping to third in Europe and fifth in the world. David de Waal, consul general of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, said a programme had been launched aimed at developing a high quality logistical network in which goods flow to and from the Netherlands in a sustainable, dependable, fast, punctual, efficient and cheap way. “This is all aimed at reaching that number one spot on the World Logistics Index,” he said at last week’s Transport Forum in Stellenbosch. “But also because we consider logistics to be important. This sector contributes some 7.5% to our annual GDP and is responsible for more than 750 000 jobs.” According to De Waal, the target is to see a 50% increase in specially trained logistics personnel in the coming years, while the contribution of supply chain services to the GDP will also be significantly increased. “In this regard we have designed what we call our triple Helix co-operation – a golden triangle that requires co operation between business, government and knowledge institutes to bring about the changes we are looking for.” He said there were without doubt challenges – ranging from road congestion to rising energy prices, while the need for innovation was key. The idea is to look at the supply chain in a new way, he said, encouraging collaboration. “We want to put companies in touch with each other that would not necessarily otherwise meet and allow them to collaborate to reduce costs. This way a Phillips can now pack their lighting pallets on top of the long and heavy packages of a Hunter Douglas that makes aluminium cladding for instance. It is about approaching our logistics in a new and innovative way.”