Deputy USTR Bhatia to leave office in Oct.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Karan Bhatia, who is in charge of Asian and African affairs, will leave office in October to return to the private sector, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab announced Monday.

Bhatia has served in the administration of President George W. Bush for six years, including two as deputy U.S. trade representative. His successor has yet to be decided.

''Karan Bhatia has been a great contributor to the president's international trade agenda during his tenure as deputy U.S. trade representative, as well as in his previous positions at the Department of Transportation and Department of Commerce,'' Schwab said in a statement.

''While I am very sorry to see him go, he leaves behind a legacy of important contributions, including negotiating the landmark U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, overseeing Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization, and launching the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum,'' she said.