German-Dutch network office until 2023

The International Network Office was the contact point for German and Dutch companies until the end of 2023.

It was established in 2016 with the aim of supporting entrepreneurs on both sides of the German-Dutch border in developing and professionalising their business activities in the neighbouring country.

The project was an initiative of the Bocholt Economic Development Agency and the Dutch municipalities of Oude IJsselstreek, Winterswijk and Aalten. It was aimed at companies from the Achterhoek region and the neighbouring region around Bocholt.

The International Network Office could not be continued due to a lack of funding.

One event - the International Matching Fair - will continue to take place, but with new cooperation partners: in addition to the Bocholt Economic Development Agency, the IHK Nord Westfalen, the university's development organisation and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences have been on board since 2024, so that the International Matching Fair can continue to take place as a matching platform for students and companies from the region.

You can find more information here: International Matching Fair on 16 October 2025

Further initiatives and projects for cross-border cooperation are supported and initiated by Wirtschaftsförderung Bocholt.