The merchant and the preacher

The Netherlands is often described as a nation of merchants and preachers - a long-standing expression that reflects our ability to combine entrepreneurship with strong moral convictions about how the world should be. That balance has served us well for centuries. It has helped shape an open economy, a leading trading nation and a vital link in global supply chains. But the world is changing. Raw materials are becoming increasingly strategic, trade flows are shifting, and the Netherlands' economic strength is coming under increasing pressure. This calls for a renewed balance between the merchant and the preacher.

Let me be clear: sustainability, human rights and responsible business conduct remain values that we are firmly committed to. But sometimes we seem to forget that prosperity, food security and sustainability must first be built on a strong economy. Without competitive businesses, a strong industrial base and access to international markets, even the most ambitious goals risk remaining little more than good intentions. The preacher may point the way, but the merchant knows that extending a hand often achieves more than pointing a finger. At a time of rising protectionism and growing trade barriers, that is a lesson worth remembering.

We should also avoid treating today's challenges as separate issues. Food security, free trade, sustainability and food safety are inextricably linked. They require a broader perspective, because it is in their interconnectedness that the bigger picture emerges. That is precisely why we need both the merchant and the preacher - not as opposing forces, but as partners. Only by bringing together our values and our economic strength can we continue to build the Netherlands' future prosperity.

Frans Claassen,

Managing Director MVO - The Netherlands Oils and Fats Industry