A look back at the National Export Event 2026
A successful start as a new partner
A successful start as a partner
Looking ahead, sharing knowledge and forging new connections. These were the central themes at the National Export Event 2026 (NEX26), which took place on 30 September at the Fokker Terminal in The Hague.
For the first time, Atradius Dutch State Business took part as an official partner in this leading event for Dutch exporters, international business developers and SMEs with international ambitions.
With around 350 participants, NEX26 offered an inspiring programme centred on the theme ‘Moving forward in a changing world’. At a time when geopolitical developments, shifting trade flows and economic uncertainty are increasingly influencing international business, entrepreneurs, public organisations, financial institutions and experts came together to exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities.
Under the theme ‘Moving forward in a changing world’, the day centred on international opportunities and the choices needed to capitalise on them. ING’s chief economist, Bert Colijn, emphasised that an unpredictable global economy also offers scope for growth. In addition, participants were able to discuss their export plans with more than a hundred Economics and Trade managers from the Dutch overseas network who were in attendance.
From entrepreneurial experience to practical insights
As a new partner, Atradius DSB made an active contribution to the programme. In the breakout session ‘Growing in a changing world: the real entrepreneurial story’, Oscar Boot and Margriet van Dongen, together with ING, discussed the opportunities and challenges of international growth. Drawing on practical experiences from ECE Offshore Projects, the discussion centred on the considerations exporters face when entering new markets and the role that export credit insurance and financing can play in this process.
Mackenzie Masaki also took part in the panel discussion ‘Where investment ends and financial support begins’. Together with representatives from Invest International, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, OHV and Bercomex, they explored how public instruments can support entrepreneurs when commercial financing or insurance alone is insufficient. The discussion centred on how public-private partnerships help Dutch companies to succeed internationally, even in challenging markets.
Financing and risk cover as a joint challenge
Mackenzie Masaki also represented Atradius DSB in the panel discussion ‘Where investment ends and financial support begins’. Marc Cabret from Invest International, Rogier van Tooren from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Davey Zuijderwijk from OHV and Piet Stroet from Bercomex also took part in the panel. This session discussed how public instruments can support entrepreneurs in realising their international ambitions, particularly when commercial financing or insurance options are neither sufficient nor adequate.
Using a specific export case study, the link between market access, financing and risk cover was explained in more detail. The focus was on the interplay between public instruments and private expertise. Such public-private partnerships can facilitate international transactions and support Dutch companies in operating successfully even within challenging markets.
Conversations outside the sessions
In addition to the substantive sessions, the numerous meetings throughout the day proved particularly valuable. On the exhibition floor, during networking sessions and afterwards at the drinks reception, colleagues from Atradius DSB spoke with a large number of exporters about their international ambitions, challenges and growth plans.
The discussions confirmed that there is a strong need for practical support in the areas of risk management, export finance and successfully entering new markets. The event also provided an excellent opportunity to further increase Atradius DSB’s visibility within the Dutch export ecosystem.
A strong foundation for 2027
Looking back, we can conclude that our first participation as a partner was a great success. The combination of inspiring content, valuable contacts and constructive discussions with entrepreneurs made it clear that Atradius DSB makes a relevant contribution to strengthening the Netherlands’ export position.
That is why Atradius DSB will once again be participating as a partner in the National Export Event next year. We look forward to reconnecting with exporters, sharing knowledge and further expanding our role within the Dutch export network. In this way, we will continue to work towards raising awareness of Atradius DSB amongst exporting companies and contribute to realising international growth opportunities for Dutch businesses.
NEX26 in pictures – Watch the aftermovie for a glimpse of the day’s atmosphere.