Michael Marquardt, a notable appointee of President Joe Biden, has been pivotal in fostering economic relationships between Chinese businesses and the state of Delaware.
According to Fox News, Marquardt played a significant role in facilitating investments from China, enhancing the economic interaction between the two regions.
Marquardt was designated in 2022 to serve on the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. His association with the Biden family extends through significant political contributions, exceeding $50,000, and personal connections, such as being married to Claire DeMatteis, a former senior aide to Biden. This nexus raises important questions regarding his influence and motivations.
Since becoming a global advisor for the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) in 2017, Marquardt has actively promoted Delaware as a vibrant business hub for Chinese investors. His efforts are confined to business meetings and span various social platforms where he has shared insights from his engagements.
In a 2015 Facebook post, Marquardt expressed enthusiasm about a visit from over 50 Chinese business executives to Delaware, emphasizing the unique opportunity for fostering closer economic ties.
Marquardt’s wife, Claire DeMatteis, has also played a significant role in these initiatives, serving as Biden’s former senior counsel. This intertwining of professional and personal relationships has painted a complex picture of Marquardt’s business engagements.
Marquardt has promoted business investments and participated in various high-level events that celebrate and strengthen U.S.-China business relations. His presence at events such as the China-U.S. Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference in 2016 underscores his active role in diplomatic and economic exchanges.
His efforts have coalesced into tangible outcomes, culminating in Delaware exporting goods worth $498 million to China in 2023. This figure is a testament to the robust economic relationship that initiatives like those supported by Marquardt have helped cultivate.
In addition to his role with DPP, Marquardt's business ventures include co-founding a telemedicine company, Mediguide, which garnered interest from Biden’s brother-in-law, among others. This adds another layer to his widespread business influence and connections.
President Biden himself has acknowledged Marquardt's contributions and character in personal anecdotes, once referring to him as a "fine man" during a personal toast.
Reflecting on his achievements, Marquardt has humorously shared insights about the occasional surprise expressed by foreign executives about Delaware’s attributes. He enjoys educating them about the state’s attractiveness to businesses.
Marquardt himself stated on his business website, “I am a business advisor who is welcomed in boardrooms worldwide.” This statement encapsulates his expansive reach and the respect he commands across the global business community.
Michael Marquardt's influential role in drawing Chinese investments to Delaware underlines the complex interplay of personal connections, political contributions, and strategic economic engagements. His continuous involvement with Chinese business sectors fosters significant economic ties and positions Delaware prominently on the international stage. The ongoing developments from these interactions will likely shape the economic landscape in Delaware and continue to influence U.S.-China relations in the years to come.
