Marco de Jong

Advocacy Associate - The Netherlands

With 27 years of experience in both the public and commercial sectors, Marco de Jong brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the bilateral chamber of commerce between the EU and ASEAN countries. His career has been marked by significant contributions to international trade and diplomacy, having served as a diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Asia. During this tenure, he played a pivotal role in numerous trade missions and worked extensively to foster economic cooperation between regions.

Additionally, Marco has worked for the National Trade Agency, where he acted as a strategic advisor, providing valuable insights into business practices and cultural nuances to help Dutch companies succeed in Asian markets. Living in Asia enriched his understanding of local business environments and allowed him to effectively support companies with their international ambitions.

Throughout his career, Marco has held notable positions, including a role at ExxonMobil in Bangkok where he contributed to global strategic initiative. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish distribution channels across Asia for several innovative companies. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Netherlands Thai Chamber of Commerce Dutch Chapter and a Member of the Advisory Board for the Market Research Project Thailand & Vietnam at the University of Maastricht. He is also the Founder and CEO of Euralinx. At Euralinx, he is dedicated to representing innovative tech companies from Asia in the European market while facilitating the entry of Dutch companies into Asian markets.

His strategic decision-making skills have been instrumental in identifying and entering new markets, ensuring to stay ahead of industry trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Having worked across fields including AI, Blockchain, Healthcare, Energy Transition, Marine Technology, and Cybersecurity, he brings with him industry knowledge and a valuable network in both continents. These fields not only drive my professional endeavors but also his passion for technological advancement and sustainable development.
His strategic vision, coupled with a global perspective, positions him as a valuable asset in driving forward international partnerships and initiatives.

Educationally, Marco holds a degree in European Studies from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, which laid the foundation for his international career. As he steps into his new role as an Advocacy Associate on the executive board, he is committed to leveraging his extensive background to enhance bilateral trade and relations between the EU and ASEAN countries.