The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh celebrated the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day on 15 September 2021. To mark the occasion, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India, hosted a reception which was attended by prominent ITEC alumni from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Women Affairs, and senior officials from the Senate of Cambodia, Police Academy of Cambodia, National Institute of Diplomacy, National Election Commission, etc. H.E. Mr. Sry Thamrong, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, and H.E. Dr. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State, Ministry of Rural Development and President, Cambodian India Alumni Association, were the Chief Guests on the occasion.
While addressing the guests, Ambassador Dr. Devyani Khobragade stated that such a programme was essential for the development of India’s relationship with other developing countries on the basis of cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. This programme is also in tune with India’s resolve to contribute to the evolution of the world community based on the inter-dependence of all its members in the attainment of their common goal for promoting the social and economic well-being of their people.
H.E. Dr. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State, Ministry of Rural Development, and President of Cambodia-India Alumni Association (CIAA), stated India’s role in the capacity building of developing countries and usefulness of training facilities, scholarships for higher education, etc. CIAA is engaged in strengthening the network of ITEC and ICCR alumni and bringing them closer for better utilization of the skills and expertise acquired by ITEC trainees and ICCR students and to share their experience and knowledge.
The ITEC programme of the Government of India was launched on 15th September 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance to 158 developing countries. This was a part of India’s initiative at South-South cooperation and is a visible symbol of India’s role in developmental programmes globally. One of the most important elements of the ITEC programme is capacity building by way of inviting officials of government, autonomous bodies, banks, power sector organizations, etc., and imparting them training and learning in their respective fields in premiere training institutions spread in all parts of India. So far, more than 1900 Cambodian nationals working in various Ministries/departments / autonomous bodies such as the National Bank of Cambodia, Electricite du Cambodge, etc. have benefited from training programmes in the respective field of their work. Keeping in view the interest shown by various Ministries for training their manpower in India, the number of slots allotted by the Government of India to Cambodia has consistently increased over the past many years.
Under this programme, the Government of India bears full airfare, accommodation, transportation, course fees as well as living allowance, book allowance, and medical facilities. In addition, all participants are taken on study tours to familiarize themselves with the history and culture of India. However, due to Covid-19 travel restrictions when many cannot visit India to attend courses of their choice, the Government of India has started an e-ITEC programme wherein training is imparted by Indian Institutes online in real-time. Under e-ITEC, the classrooms are shifted to our partner countries and tailor-made courses are delivered by Indian faculties online/ through video conferencing. During the current financial year, 161 officials have benefited from various e-ITEC courses.
Source: India in Cambodia (Embassy of India, Phnom Penh)
