The embassy of India celebrated Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day in Phnom Penh on September 23. Over 120 distinguished alumni of the ITEC programme attended the event, hosted by ambassador Devyani Khobragade. Indian embassy
The embassy of India in Phnom Penh hosted a celebration of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day in Phnom Penh on September 23.
Indian ambassador Devyani Khobragade welcomed guests to the reception, including chief guest Paul Pidou, secretary of state at the Ministry of Civil Service.
The event, attended by over 120 distinguished alumni of the ITEC programme, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between India and Cambodia in promoting capacity building and development.
These officials represented various ministries, showcasing the wide-reaching impact of the ITEC programme across Cambodia.
During her address, Khobragade emphasised India’s commitment to sharing knowledge and skills with developing nations, a principle rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", meaning “the world is one family”.
She explained that ITEC exemplifies this philosophy, noting that since its inception, India has actively worked to support partner countries, prioritising their unique needs and development goals.
Since 1981, over 2,720 Cambodian nationals have benefited from ITEC training programmes, which cater to a diverse range of sectors including the National Bank of Cambodia, the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority and many of the Kingdom’s ministries.
In recent years, the initiative has adapted to current challenges, offering both virtual and in-person training formats. In the 2023-24 fiscal year alone, 300 slots were allocated for Cambodian officials to enhance their skills in public policy and governance.
Khobragade highlighted the appreciation shown by the Cambodian government for ITEC’s contributions to human resource development, noting that her embassy has tailored specific training courses to meet the needs of Cambodian ministries, with 35 customised courses completed to date.
Recently, officials from the education and justice ministries have travelled to India for specialised training, she added.
Chief guest Pidou spoke about the deep cultural ties between India and Cambodia. He noted the shared heritage in language, religion and traditions, and shared his belief that ITEC has fostered not only capacity building but also solidarity and friendship between the two nations.
One inspiring testimonial came from Chankoulika Bo, education ministry undersecretary of state. She shared how her ITEC training equipped her with essential skills that directly enhanced her professional capabilities.
She explained that her experience in India also allowed her to immerse herself in the rich culture of the country, further enriching her learning experience.
Launched in 1964, ITEC has evolved to meet the priorities of its partner countries, focusing on capacity building in various fields.
Over the years, the programme has supported more than 200,000 beneficiaries from over 160 countries, illustrating India’s commitment to South-South cooperation, noted an embassy press release.
The programme’s emphasis on mutual respect, national ownership and voluntary cooperation remains central to its mission, fostering strong ties between India and Cambodia for years to come, it added.
