Indian-American Arun Venkataraman has been sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the United States and Foreign Trade Service for the International Trade Administration.

In this role, Venkataraman will lead a team of more than 1,400 employees strategically located in 106 U.S. offices and 78 overseas markets, supporting U.S. businesses in markets representing 95% of global GDP and 97% of U.S. trade. . This includes more than a thousand career professionals specializing in export promotion, commercial diplomacy, and foreign direct investment to help American businesses grow in international markets and attract foreign direct investment to the United States. . Venkataraman was nominated by President Joseph R Biden and confirmed by the US Senate on April 7 to lead the federal government’s efforts to promote overseas exports and attract foreign investment, according to an official statement. “Arun’s expertise in trade law and trade policy will be invaluable as the Department of Commerce helps American businesses and workers recover and come back stronger from the economic toll inflicted by COVID-19,” said said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. ”His experience and leadership in helping America’s public and private sectors navigate and overcome critical business challenges has earned him respect both inside and outside of government as well as within the team he is now responsible for leading. I look forward to working with him in his new role,” the Commerce Secretary said. The American Indian has over 20 years of experience advising businesses, international organizations and the US government on international trade issues. Prior to his appointment, he served as an adviser to the Secretary of Commerce, advising the department on trade and other international economic issues. Prior to joining the Biden administration, he was a senior director at Visa, leading a global government engagement strategy on a range of international policy issues, including the digital economy, trade, tax and sanctions. He also served in the Obama administration as director of ITA policy. Additionally, he has had an extensive legal career, including as legal counsel for the World Trade Organization, trade and investment policy adviser at Steptoe and Johnson LLP. He also clerked for Judge Jane A Restani at the United States Court of International Trade. Venkataraman holds a JD from Columbia Law School, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a BA from Tufts University. ”In more than 20 years of working in commerce, I have seen firsthand the value that American businesses and workers provide to every corner of the world. The world looks to the United States because we have the expertise, experience and entrepreneurial spirit to deliver the products, services and innovative solutions that make a difference. I thank President Biden, Secretary Raimondo and the US Senate for entrusting me with this position,” Venkataraman said in a press release.

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