Muscat: Embassy of India, Muscat, celebrated ‘Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation’ (ITEC) Day on Thursday, 18th January 2024 in the Embassy Premises.
The function was attended by about 150 participants, which included ITEC alumni from Oman, comprising officials and professionals from diverse sectors who have participated in various training courses in India under ITEC Programme during previous years. The function was also attended by many other officials from various Omani authorities/agencies, looking after training aspects of their employees.
Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour, Sultanate of Oman was the Chief Guest on this occasion.
The Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was launched in September 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India for capacity building of friendly developing countries.
It has emerged as a key vehicle for India’s contribution to Human Resource Development of partner countries. Under ITEC Programme, Officials from more than 160 countries from Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries are invited to benefit from India’s developmental experience.
The ITEC Programme offers over 14000 courses annually covering diverse range of subjects from traditional areas like agriculture, SMEs, management, English language to IT, Science & Technology, biotechnology, etc. The skills which are being provided under ITEC Programme facilitate human resource development, capacity building, skill upgradation and empowerment.
Amit Narang, the Ambassador of India to Oman, emphasised that the ITEC Programme has evolved into a important platform for partnerships focused on capacity building between our two nations.
He stated that the programme has received a positive response in Oman over the years, with numerous Omani officials actively participating in ITEC courses.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Labour, Foreign Ministry, and other relevant ministries and organisations in Oman for their support in effectively implementing the ITEC Programme in Oman.
Ambassador Amit Narang stated that recent state visit of His Majesty to India further strengthened our partnership in capacity-building, training, and skill enhancement. He stressed that the Government of India is a strong partner in Oman’s journey to achieve objectives of ‘Oman Vision 2040’ for which Government of India’s ITEC programme can be a key facilitator.
Specialised training, human resource development and skill development is an integral part of this journey for which ITEC is an ideal platform. He committed that special customized courses can be organised dedicated for Omani candidates in their areas of interest.
The ITEC Day provided an opportunity to the ITEC Alumni, who have trained in India under this Programme, to get together at the Embassy to interact among themselves and share their experiences. They spoke about the benefits of ITEC courses not only in providing knowledge and expertise but in giving them an opportunity to interact with trainees from other countries and learn more about India and its culture and traditions.
On the occasion, talented artist Jhumpa Chakraborty and her students presented a mesmerising Kathak dance performance.