The Dutch province of Drenthe has signed a partnership agreement with Norfolk and Suffolk to strengthen trade relations between the areas.
The memorandum of understanding follows a trade visit in July when Dutch delegates met business representatives from East Anglia to discuss joint working with a focus on inward investment, export and collaboration on research and development.
New Anglia LEP’s inward investment team initiated the joint-working relationship supported by Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils.
It says there are great similarities between the areas, including geography, economy, development and the areas’ strengths in the key sectors of life sciences, biotech, agri-tech, energy, construction and creative technology.
Henk Brink, deputy governor of Drenthe province said: 'The two regions that have strong cultural and historical ties, but also a prosperous future.
'We’re only a short distance away, from door to door it’s no more than three hours.'
Doug Field, chair of New Anglia LEP, said: 'These initiatives are the way forward in this economic climate and we’re excited about the exchange of ideas, R&D and export prospects.'
