Economic growth

Economist, public finance management and SDG finance expert. Experience in analytical, advisory and programme manager roles in EU ECFIN/INTPA and EU Delegations, UNDP and ILO. Certified TADAT assessor, trained in gender responsive budgeting and in the INFF approach to financing sustainable development.

Long-term (35+ year) experience in sustainable economic development, climate change, environment in different economic sectors as an institutional development, strategic planning, capacity development, and knowledge management and communication expert in programmes and projects in Asia, Africa and Caribbean. Working in multi-disciplinary teams and for international organisations (ADB, UNICEF, UNDP, FAO, UNESCO, AU-NEPAD, IFAD-BSF, UNESCO-IHE, DFID, EC-DG-DEVCO/DG-INTPA, ACP-CTA, CAREC Institute), government and research institutions, universities, NGOs, private sector and (inter)national networks in Asia, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific.
In last two decades advising government institutions, international organisations and civil society organizations and networks in Asia/Pacific and Africa on institutional development, strategic and business planning, capacity development, knowledge and information management, communication, partnerships, use of ICTs, and innovation in different socio-economic sectors.
I have worked with international networks, NGOs, community-based organizations and local communities in the broader context of sustainable development with a focus on poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, life-long learning, health and education. Before 2000 specifically focused on research and management of fisheries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

For more information on my projects see: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/ruudcrul

- Currently employed at the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific as Programme Manager in the Economic Cooperation, Investment and Agriculture Section.
- Over12 years of public sector and international development cooperation experience in different capacities at divisional, national and regional level.
- Expertise in the field of public sector management, rural development and overall government machinery, development cooperation, strategic planning, public policy formulation, and contract/project management (state and donor funded).

I am a senior researcher with over ten years of experience in animal nutrition and immunology, with specialized expertise in the use of agro-industrial by-products—particularly those from the brewing industry—as alternative feed ingredients. In November 2022, I earned a PhD from the University of Murcia (Spain) through the Doctoral Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, with the dissertation titled “Bioeconomic Analysis of the Valorization of Brewing Industry By-products in Functional Diets for Sustainable Aquaculture.”

Currently, I am involved in several research projects and training programs at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), where we assess the economic impact of animal health issues on the performance of aquaculture farms. In addition, I am enrolled in the PhD Program in Economic and Business Sciences at the University of Granada. My current research focuses on the role of aquaculture (and fisheries) within the primary sector and its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A particular focus is on the development of aquaculture in the Dominican Republic and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), evaluating their contribution to fishery product supply and identifying bottlenecks that hinder growth—while proposing realistic improvements to future production models.

I also hold a Law degree and am a qualified lawyer (non-practicing) with over 25 years of experience. Alongside this, I work as an R&D consultant, with a strong background in innovation management, product development, and entrepreneurship.

My interdisciplinary background in molecular biology, economics, law, and project management enables me to approach complex challenges—such as food sovereignty—from a holistic and strategic perspective.

I am open to sharing my knowledge and expertise in this field. I am actively seeking new opportunities and challenges that contribute to producing food in more sustainable ways.

Open to work worldwide – fully available to travel.
Flexible working conditions: open to on-site, hybrid, or remote roles.
Prefer working and living outside of Spain, ideally in coastal regions.
Salary expectations are negotiable, depending on role, responsibilities, and commitment.
For me, the human and scientific quality of the workplace is more important than the salary.

Maestro of International Trade Solutions

As an International Trade and Business Development Consultant, I provide a wide range of consulting services, international business solutions, team coaching and practical training courses to help companies and individuals access global markets and expand their businesses. These services include export development, international trade, international market search and analysis, finding potential markets, market access plans, sales channels, leads generation, intelligent trade tools and platforms, market and trade data intelligence, process digitalization, and competitive intelligence. I have over 24 years of experience in various fields and sectors, including international trade, business development, export management, professional training and coaching, cosmetics and personal care products, veterinary medicines, dental equipment and materials, construction materials, automotive spare parts, and business solutions.

I use intelligent tools supported with artificial intelligence to discover business opportunities, find export potential markets, generate leads, and find intelligent and effective solutions for my clients. I also create and implement integrated business plans, effective marketing plans, strategic goals, and lead the sales and marketing teams. My approach combines practical action plans, intelligent tools, and advanced strategies to effectively reach targeted markets. In addition, I train and motivate individuals, entrepreneurs, and teams to achieve desired results and create sustainable added value.

I am an international consultant for several companies and organizations in Türkiye, Syria, USA, China, UK, Canada, Nigeria, Uganda, Yemen and Palestine. I am a member of the Advisory Board and Expert Council of the US Meta Arees International University (USMAU) and the American Board Agency of Training and Education, the International Trade Council (ITC), the Syrian Engineers Association in Turkey, and the Knowledge Commercialization Center (BTM) - Istanbul. I am also an international business leader in the African Business Community, Individual Project Procurement Consultant at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and a member of multiple civil society organizations that aim to rebuild Syria and contribute to economic development.

To me, business development in international trade is more than just work, responsibilities, tasks, or knowledge sharing; it is a passion and a privilege to be part of the growth journey, with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.