Last Monday, the Dutch Italian Business Association (DIBA) had the pleasure of hosting its first hybrid meeting in The Netherlands. After the opening of the event by DIBA President Angela Mannaerts, at the top floor of the Maastoren, the DIBA guests were graciously welcomed, by Winfried van den Muijsenbergh, Partner of AKD, and this in fluent Italian!
Honorary President of DIBA Rosita Steenbeek delivered, online from Rome, an engaging welcome speech, emphasizing the beauty of cultural exchange and collaboration between Italy and The Netherlands.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Geert-Jan Pastoor of Pastoor Consult B.V., provided an in-depth look into the waste-to-energy industry, offering valuable insights into the role of Dutch companies operating in the waste processing sector. He outlined how waste from Naples and Rome is transported to the Netherlands, where it is converted into energy, heat, and reusable materials. He also shed light on the growing emphasis on recycling in Italy. Geert-Jan underlined the social benefits of the waste industry, and addressed common concerns, such as the affirmation that modern waste processing facilities operate with highly effective filtration systems, ensuring clean emissions.
After the presentation, the DIBA members and guests were invited to a wonderful networking dinner while enjoying, from a height of 165 meters, a stunning view over an enlightened Rotterdam and surroundings. The discussions of the evening reinforced the participants’ sense of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable innovation—principles that will continue to shape the future of the commercial and industrial relationships between the two countries.
The DIBA Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Winfried van den Muijsenbergh and AKD for the generous hospitality, Rosita Steenbeek for her inspiring word of welcome, Geert-Jan Pastoor for sharing his expertise with us through an interesting and clear presentation, and to the representatives of the Ambasciata d’Italia a l’Aja, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, NLinBusiness.com and all other attendees for their active participation. Last but not least, we wish to thank WillemKorver and CarolienKuijten of AKD, Marielle van der Marel, Secretary of DIBA, and DIBA assistants Isa van Fessem en Sebastiaan van der Leden for the excellent organization and technical support of our hybrid event.
We look forward to many more inspiring gatherings in the year ahead to be held in Italy and in The Netherlands.
