Embassy of India
Phnom Penh 

*****

Press Release

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day Celebration by Embassy of  India, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 On September 15, 2023, the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, celebrated Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day. To mark the occasion, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India, hosted a reception. H.E. Dr. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State & President of CIAA, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The reception was attended by more than 120 prominent ITEC alumni from various Ministries in Cambodia, including H.E. Dr. Khy Sovanratana, Secretary of State, MoFA&IC, H.E. Chan Sorey, Secretary of State, MoWA and various other dignitaries and senior government officials. 

2.  Addressing the event, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India, 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 endeavor 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.  

3.  Since 1981, more than 2600 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.  

4.  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 organized customized 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 customized course in Bhopal, India

5.  Ambassador also focused on the successful G-20 summit held last week in India under its presidency. In its presidency of G-20, with the theme of vasudhaiva kutumbakam “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” India during the Summit spearheaded the issues of importance to the Global South. Earlier this year in January, India hosted the Voice of Global South Summit. We were very happy that Samdech Hun Sen, then Prime Minister of Cambodia participated in the inaugural session of the  Voice of Global South Summit. As a major milestone, under the G-20 presidency of India African Union joined the G-20 grouping.  The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 has made it more inclusive and representative of the emerging global order. She added India remains committed to raise voice of global south for the issues of sustainable development, inclusive growth, climate change, food security, digital divide, emerging tech regulation, multilateral development bank reform among others which hold tremendous importance to us all. 

6.  H.E. Dr. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State & President of CIAA,  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 programs have not only heldped our social and economic development, but also strengthened the spirit of solidarity and friendship between the people of our two countries, Cambodia and India. 

About ITEC

7.  Launched on 15 September 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. 

8.  In its journey nearing six decades, more than two hundred thousand beneficiaries from more than 160 partner countries have taken advantage of various programmes offered by India under the ITEC programme. Today, India offers around 14000 scholarships every year, with the Government of India bearing all the expenses related to international air fare, boarding and lodging in respect of the selected candidates. 

9.  ITEC programme relies on India's vast and rich network of governance- and development-related expertise available in higher educational institutions and training facilities, and around 100 premier institutes conduct various short, medium, and long term courses. In addition, on specific requests, tailor-made programmes are also facilitated. Even during the pandemic, India reached out to its partner countries through e-ITEC online  training programmes. .

10.  ITEC is a visible symbol of India’s role and contribution to South-South Cooperation. More than capacity building,  it is about sharing of India’s experience, expertise and knowldege gained over the years in pursuit of economic growth and social justice in the country as part of India’s unique experience in nation-building, given India’s large, diverse and complex country.  The ITEC programme is based on solidarity and mutual respect, voluntary cooperation free from any conditionalities, national ownership and aligned with priorities of partner countries. It is demand-driven and response-oriented.

*****