ITEC Day in Khartoum

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) Day was celebrated on 17^th February 2016 at India House, the Indian Ambassador’s residence in Khartoum.

ITEC was instituted by the Government of India on 15 September 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance. India has made substantial progress and gained useful experience in industrial and technological development after it regained its freedom in 1947. The ITEC programme of the Ministry of External Affairs was an earnest attempt by India to share the fruits of its socio-economic development and technological achievement with other developing countries. As a result of various activities under ITEC programme, there is now awareness among other countries about the competence of India as provider of technical know-how and expertise as well as training opportunities, consultancy services and feasibility studies.

There are 160 partner countries under the ITEC programme and more than 7500 scholars participate in this programme every year from different countries.

There are 150 scholars under ITEC from Sudan every year who are benefitted from various professional courses such as Agriculture, Renewable energy, IT, modern machinery, remote sensing etc.

ITEC Day celebrations in Khartoum on 17^th February’16 comprised of a short film about ITEC ‘Lessons in Friendship’ and two power point presentations, one of these presented by an ITEC participant about his experience ‘My experience with ITEC’ followed by a presentation ‘Pan Africa E- Network Project’ made by the Representative of Telecommunications Consultants of India Limited (TCIL). Besides, there were two other ITEC candidates who shared their experiences.

About 175 guests graced the occasion. Besides 160 ITEC participants, among the prominent attendees were chief guest H.E. Dr.  Somia Idris Osman, Minister of State for health, Mr. Selva Ramachandra, Country Director, UNDP, Dr. Anil Mithani Prominent Indian community member and Mustafa Elradi Ahmed H., Secretary General of Supreme council of Vocational Training, Consultant from National Center for training and President Sudan-India Friendship Association (SIFA) . Representatives of local media were also present in the event.

During her remarks, Dr. Somia Idris Osman, chief guest, highlighted the India-Sudan historical relations and growing cooperation in various fields and particularly mentioned about India’s assistance in recently nationalized Kosti Power plant. Dr. Somia said that the ITEC training  and other scholarships, Vocational Training Centre in River Nile state and the Centre for English Language Training at Khartoum, offered by India will immensely help in development of Human resources in Sudan. Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Amrit Lugun had requested all the ITEC candidates to send their feedback and experiences during their training in India so that the existing ITEC programme can be improved further.