Indian American Arun Venkataraman has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the US

FREMONT, CA: Arun Venkataraman, an Indian-American, has been appointed as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the US and Foreign Commercial Service for the International Trade Administration. Venkataraman will manage a team of over 1,400 people in 106 offices across the United States and 78 countries abroad, assisting US companies in markets that account for 95 percent of global GDP and 97 percent of US trade. Over a thousand career experts specialize in export promotion, commercial diplomacy, and foreign direct investment to assist US corporations in expanding into overseas markets and attracting foreign direct investment into the US. According to an official statement, Venkataraman was chosen by President Joseph R Biden and confirmed by the US Senate on April 7 to manage the federal government's efforts to boost exports and encourage foreign investment.

The Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo remarked that Arun’s knowledge of trade law and commercial policy would be a great asset as the Commerce Department works to help US firms and employees recover and grow stronger due to the COVID-19’s economic toll. The Secretary also expressed his excitement to work with Arun Venkataraman and commented on his experience and leadership in assisting the US public and commercial sectors in navigating and overcoming significant trade challenges. This has earned him respect both inside and outside the Government, and among the team he is currently leading.

The Indian American has over 20 years of international trade expertise advising firms, international organizations, and the US government. Before his appointment, he was the secretary of commerce's counselor, advising the department on trade and other foreign economic issues.

He was a senior director at Visa before entering the Biden administration. He oversaw a global government engagement strategy on various international policy topics, including the digital economy, trade, tax, and sanctions. He was also the ITA's policy director during the Obama administration. He also has a long legal background. He has worked as a legal officer for the World Trade Organization and as a Trade and Investment Policy Advisor for Steptoe and Johnson LLP. He also worked as a legal clerk at the US Court of International Trade for Judge Jane A Restani. Venkataraman has a JD from Columbia Law School, an MA from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a BA from Tufts University.