Arun Venkataraman takes charge at ITA
ARUN VENKATARAMAN, a leading Indian-American international trade policy expert, has been sworn in as the assistant secretary of commerce for global markets and director general of the US and Foreign Commercial Service for the International Trade Administration (ITA).
In this position, Venkataraman will lead a team of over 1,400 employees strategically located in 106 offices across the US and 78 markets abroad, supporting US companies in markets representing 95 per cent of global GDP and 97 per cent of US trade.
Venkataraman was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the US Senate on April 7 to lead the federal government's efforts to promote exports abroad and attract inward investment, an official release said.
‘Arun's expertise in trade law and commercial policy will be an invaluable asset as the Commerce Department helps US businesses and workers recover and come back stronger from the economic toll inflicted by COVID-19,’ said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Monday (25).
Born in Coimbatore, India, and raised in Houston, Venkataraman has over 20 years of experience advising companies, international organisations and the US government on international trade issues. Prior to his appointment, he served as the counsellor to the secretary of commerce, advising the department on trade and other international economic matters.
He also served in the Obama administration as the ITA's director of policy.
‘In over 20 years working in the field of trade, I have seen first-hand the value that American companies and workers offer in every corner of the globe,’ Venkataraman said.
‘The world turns to the US because we have the expertise, experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to provide 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.’
Additionally, he has had an extensive legal career, including serving as a legal officer for the World Trade Organisation and Trade and investment policy advisor at Steptoe and Johnson LLP. He also served as a law clerk for Judge Jane A Restani at the US Court of International Trade.