Ex- IFS Jawed Ashraf appointed as Chairman- ITPO | Indian Bureaucracy News Network
Shri Jawed Ashraf IFS (1991) (Retd.) has been appointed as Chairman- India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) in (Level-17) on contract basis for a period of two years on usual terms and conditions applicable to re-employed Central Government officers by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Shri Jawed Ashraf has served in France, Singapore , Frankfurt and Berlin . He worked in the Americas Division of Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi from 1999 to 2004. He completed a three-year tenure as Counsellor at the Embassy in Kathmandu in 2007. From 2007 to 2010, he served as Counsellor and Minister for Political Affairs in Washington DC and then headed the Americas Division in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi from 2010 to 2012. High Commissioner Ashraf served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister‘s Office under former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and then Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. His portfolio included External Affairs, Defence, National Security Council, Atomic Energy and Space. He returned to Ministry of External Affairs in January 2016 and was Joint Secretary (Special Projects) until his appointment in Singapore.
The India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) is the premier trade promotion agency of the Government of India, functioning as the country’s apex body for showcasing India’s commercial strengths, industrial capabilities, and export potential to both domestic and global audiences. Established in 1977 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ITPO plays a central role in strengthening India’s international trade relations by organizing fairs, exhibitions, and large-scale business events that connect Indian enterprises with global markets. With a mandate to promote trade, encourage investments, and support the nation’s economic growth, ITPO has evolved into a strategic institution that shapes India’s external trade ecosystem.
The organization’s flagship venue, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, serves as India’s largest exhibition complex and a landmark hub for business events. Over the years, Pragati Maidan has hosted some of the most significant trade fairs in the country, providing a world-class platform for exhibitors, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and foreign delegates to interact. ITPO’s efforts to modernize the venue through upgraded infrastructure, digital facilities, and broader accessibility have transformed it into a premier exhibition destination that matches global standards.
One of ITPO’s biggest strengths lies in its diverse portfolio of events, which cover virtually every major sector of the economy—textiles, engineering, agriculture, food processing, technology, healthcare, automobiles, handicrafts, and more. Its flagship events, such as international trade fairs and specialized expositions, draw participation from numerous countries, creating opportunities for cross-border partnerships, market expansion, and knowledge sharing. These events not only provide Indian companies with global exposure but also help foreign businesses understand India’s dynamic and rapidly expanding market.
ITPO also plays an essential role in facilitating India’s participation in international exhibitions abroad. By representing the country at key global trade fairs, the organization ensures that Indian products, services, and innovations reach a wider audience. This outward-facing approach enhances India’s visibility in international markets and helps exporters identify new opportunities, understand emerging trends, and strengthen buyer-seller relationships.
In addition to organizing events, ITPO supports trade development through capacity-building initiatives, advisory services, and information dissemination. The organization provides businesses—especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—with guidance on export procedures, market intelligence, and product promotion techniques. By empowering smaller enterprises with knowledge and exposure, ITPO plays a critical role in broadening India’s export base and reducing entry barriers for emerging players.
ITPO’s activities also contribute significantly to tourism, hospitality, and local economies. Large exhibitions often attract thousands of visitors, creating demand for hotels, transportation, retail, and services. The multiplier effect boosts business activity in and around exhibition areas and supports numerous allied industries.
In recent years, ITPO has focused strongly on digital transformation. Online registration systems, virtual exhibition tools, improved communication platforms, and efficient service delivery have made participation more convenient and transparent. These steps reflect ITPO’s commitment to innovation and adaptability in an increasingly digital global market.
Overall, the India Trade Promotion Organization remains a cornerstone of India’s trade promotion framework. Through its wide-ranging initiatives, global connectivity, and focus on quality, ITPO continues to strengthen India’s economic positioning on the world stage. Its role in linking Indian enterprises with global opportunities, fostering investment, and supporting trade diversification underscores its importance as a national institution that drives growth, collaboration, and international engagement.
Retd High Commissioner Ashraf has studied Economics at St. Stephen‘s College, New Delhi and Management at Master‘s level at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He has published a coffee table book of his photographs, “A Day in the Life of Kathmandu”, dedicated to the victims of the Nepal earthquake of April 2015. Outdoor interests include tennis and trekking in Himalaya.
Indian Bureaucracy News Update wishes Shri Jawed Ashraf the very best.