E-commerce giant Amazon has revealed plans to invest €1.4bn ($1.63bn) in the Netherlands up to 2028. 

This investment represents its largest investment in the Dutch market since Amazon commenced operations there in 2020.

The investment is aimed at bolstering both Amazon's retail arm and Amazon Web Services (AWS), with a focus on infrastructure enhancement and service development.

Eva Faict, country manager for Amazon Belgium and the Netherlands, detailed the investment during an event in The Hague, marking five years of Amazon's customer service presence in the Netherlands.

Faict stated: “The Netherlands is an important growth market for us. Our primary focus is on continuously offering our Dutch customers low prices, a wide selection of products, and faster and convenient delivery options, and this investment of more than €1.4bn in the Netherlands reflects that commitment.

“With these investments, we can serve our customers even better, improve our services, while also creating opportunities for local businesses to grow and further support Dutch entrepreneurs with our technology and expertise."

The funds are earmarked for technological upgrades and logistics enhancements aimed at improving the efficiency and reach of Amazon's services.

The investment will also support AWS, which provides cloud and data solutions to Dutch businesses.

By leveraging AWS, local entrepreneurs will gain access to tools that could potentially increase productivity and innovation, including AI capabilities.

The announcement comes as more than 4,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Netherlands utilise Amazon's platform to access global markets, with a considerable portion engaging in exports.

Faict stated: “This investment will substantially benefit Dutch SME entrepreneurs selling through Amazon.nl. More than 60% of all products sold on Amazon.nl come from our selling partners, and we're seeing more and more Dutch entrepreneurs successfully growing their business and reaching customers in the Netherlands and around the world. We not only provide entrepreneurs with a sales channel but also support them with logistics solutions, marketing tools, and export opportunities."

Amazon's current Dutch workforce numbers more than 1,000, with personnel spread across its Amsterdam and The Hague offices and a delivery station in Rozenburg.