Arun Venkataraman Sworn In as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2022
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
publicaffairs@trade.gov
WASHINGTON – Today, Arun Venkataraman was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service for the International Trade Administration (ITA). He was appointed by President Joseph R. Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 7, 2022, to lead the federal government’s efforts to promote exports abroad and attract inward investment.
In this position, Venkataraman will lead a team of over 1,400 employees strategically located in 106 offices across the United States and 78 markets abroad, supporting U.S. companies in markets representing 95% of global GDP and 97% of U.S. trade. This includes over a thousand career professionals that specialize in export promotion, commercial diplomacy, and foreign direct investment to help U.S. companies expand into international markets and attract foreign direct investment into the United States.
“Arun’s expertise in trade law and commercial policy will be an invaluable asset as the Commerce Department helps U.S. businesses and workers recover and come back stronger from the economic toll inflicted by COVID-19,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “His experience and leadership helping the U.S. public and private sector navigate and overcome critical trade challenges has earned him respect both inside and out of government, as well as with the team he is now assigned to lead. I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Venkataraman has over 20 years of experience advising companies, international organizations and the U.S. government on international trade issues. Prior to his appointment, he served as Counselor to the Secretary of Commerce, advising the Department on trade and other international economic matters. Before joining the Biden Administration, Arun was a Senior Director at Visa, leading global government engagement strategy on a range of international policy issues including digital economy, trade, tax and sanctions.
He also served in the Obama Administration as ITA’s Director of Policy and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as its Director for India. Additionally, Arun has had an extensive legal career, including serving as Legal Officer for the World Trade Organization, Trade & Investment Policy Advisor at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, and Law Clerk for Judge Jane A. Restani at the U.S. Court of International Trade.
Arun holds a J.D. from Columbia Law School, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a B.A. from Tufts University.
“In over 20 years working in the field of trade, I have seen firsthand the value that American companies and workers offer in every corner of the globe. The world turns to the U.S. 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 U.S. Senate for entrusting me with this position,” said Venkataraman.
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