The Embassy of India, Muscat, celebrated ‘Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation’ (ITEC) Day on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saidi, Minister of Health, was the Chief Guest on this occasion. The event was attended by about 100 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.
In his address, Dr Al Saidi lauded historically close relations between India and the Sultanate of Oman. He mentioned that participation of a large number of Omanis in various ITEC courses in India over the years had further strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, noted that over the years ITEC Programme received a good response with hundreds of Omani officials taking part in ITEC courses.
The 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.
Ambassador Narang stressed that the Government of India is a strong partner in Oman’s journey to achieve the objectives of ‘Oman Vision 2040’ for which Government of India’s ITEC programme can be a key facilitator. Specialized training, human resource development and skill upgradation is an integral part of this journey for which ITEC is an ideal platform. He committed that special customised courses can be organised dedicated for Omani candidates in their areas of interest.
