As part of a marketing effort targeting small-to medium North American enterprises considering their initial investment in Europe, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) has launched an interactive Web site, www.LocationEurope.com.

“The reality is that most American exporters are [small-to medium enterprises],” said Robert Schipper, executive director of NFIA/North America. “We want to help them come to Europe and help them grow. But, we also want them to make the right decision on location the first time.”

Rather than promoting a specific location, the Web site helps companies develop a long-term strategy for success by presenting objective country information compiled by Buck Consultants International, an independent European location adviser.

Site visitors can compare up to 17 locations throughout Europe based on the following factors: cost of labor, real estate costs, availability of qualified staff, location towards market, business environment, accessibility and quality of life.

By weighting each of these criteria to the company’s particular needs and circumstances, the user can generate comparative rankings. The cost and benefit analysis can be performed for companies interested in establishing either a sales/marketing headquarters or logistics/distribution operation.

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