The program has been made simpler and more predictable with the renewal. Clear conditions have been set, and applicants know earlier whether they can participate in a trade fair. These simplifications help Dutch small and medium-sized enterprises in doing business abroad.
State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Aukje de Vries: “With the renewed program, we offer Dutch entrepreneurs more opportunities in the international market. Abroad lies the key to keeping our country prosperous and resilient; our trade policy supports this.”
The strategic trade fair program is part of the broader trade instruments and is executed on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The first application round of the renewed program runs from February 23 to March 20, 2026. The annual budget is €2.6 million.
More information about the Strategic Trade Fair Program can be found on the RVO website.