Building Connections and Business in Hong Kong: An Interview with Job van der Noord

How would you describe your impression of the Dutch Chamber and how it has developed over time?

I first became aware of the Dutch business network when I began to take an interest in the local community here. The Dutch Business Association (“DBA”) was already a highly professional association when I first became acquainted with it. When I later became involved with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce itself, I felt that it became even more professional in both its approach and the way it brought people together.

What I particularly appreciate today is that it has developed into a very diverse network and platform. It feels broad, open, and well connected, which gives it real value beyond simply being a place where Dutch people meet one another. I also have the impression that the Dutch Chamber is becoming increasingly involved with other Chambers in Hong Kong, which I personally regard as a very positive development.

Over the years, I have met a great many people through the Dutch Chamber. While individuals naturally move through different stages of life and career, the Chamber itself has remained a constant presence and an important instrument for connecting the community. In that sense, it continues to be a very valuable platform and remains highly relevant.

What has Hong Kong meant to you personally, and what continues to attract you there?

When I first came here, I was still trying to find my bearings in Hong Kong, and it was during that period that I began to understand the city more fully. I have always found it to be highly dynamic and full of energy.

What I appreciate most is the atmosphere and the constant sense of movement. Even after all these years, there is always something new to discover whenever you meet someone, and I still find that very appealing. It is a vibrant city that keeps you engaged, and it never really stands still.

I also appreciate the way people interact there. There is a certain openness and vitality that continues to appeal to me. For me, that combination of pace, diversity, and energy is a major part of Hong Kong’s attraction.

What have you learned from doing business in Hong Kong and China?

I have learned so much in Hong Kong, especially about doing business with China. It is unbelievable how much you continue to learn, even after many years of experience.

I have been dealing with factories in China, and I have been engaging in the same environment for 15 years. Even now, I still learn something new every week, and often every day. That is part of what makes it so challenging, but also so interesting.

Working with China has taught me that there is always something new to learn. Even after many years, I continue to gain new insights from the smallest nuances in communication and business practice.

Over time, I have gained a great deal of experience, and that means you begin to see through certain things more quickly. You also learn to look around you more carefully and to read between the lines.

What are your aspirations for the Dutch Chamber going forward?

I would very much like to see the Chamber continue to grow as a strong and welcoming platform for connection and exchange. In particular, I hope there will be more joint-chamber events in the future, as I believe these create excellent opportunities for networking and for building relationships across different business communities in Hong Kong. I think such collaboration would further strengthen the Chamber’s relevance and make it even more dynamic. It would also allow members to meet a wider range of people, which is always valuable.