The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh last evening hosted a reception celebrating the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day under the presidency of H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India.

H.E. Dr. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State and President of Cambodia-India Alumni Association (CIAA), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest with the participation of more than 120 prominent ITEC alumni from various ministries in Cambodia, including H.E. Dr. Khy Sovanratana, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), H.E. Chan Sorey, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and various other dignitaries and senior government officials.

Addressing the event, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade said that Indian foreign policy is based on its philosophy in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – which means the world is a family, and on this path India shares its knowledge and skills with the world. ITEC is a shining example of the implementation of this ancient Indian philosophy. It has been India’s endeavour even immediately after its independence to share its capacity with partner countries in the developing world and that also on the priorities of the partner countries.

Since 1981, more than 2,600 Cambodian nationals working in various ministries, departments, autonomous bodies such as National Bank of Cambodia, Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, Police Academy of Cambodia, among others have benefited from training programmes in the respective fields of their work. During 2021-2022, more than 350 and in 2022-23 more than 200 Cambodian nationals availed these trainings under ITEC in both virtual and physical formats. At present in 2023-24, 250 civilian training slots have been allotted to Cambodian nationals.

H.E. Ambassador added that in view of the high appreciation by the Royal Government of Cambodia of ITEC for its role in capacity building and human resource development, the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh has also organised customised courses as per the needs of various ministries of the Royal Government of Cambodia. 30 such courses have already been held with 15 groups each consisting of 15-20 individuals traveling to India to attend them. Recent groups visiting India included 20 officials from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and another 20 officials from the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority. In December 2023, 40 officials from Ministry of Justice are set to attend customised course in Bhopal, India

For his part, H.E. Dr. Sao Chivoan in his address said, Cambodia and India have very close cultural linkages. Khmer language, our national religion – Buddhism, and many aspects of our traditions find their roots to India. The ITEC programmes have not only helped our social and economic development, but also strengthened the spirit of solidarity and friendship between the people of our two countries, Cambodia and India.

According to the embassy, launched on Sept. 15, 1964, ITEC is a driven by priorities of partner countries with primary focus on capacity building needs of developing countries across the globe. Through the ITEC programme, India provides technical assistance, training/capacity building opportunities to partner countries in a range of fields including IT, banking, administration, and audit, among others. The training programmes cover both civilian and defense personnel.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse