Muscat – The Indian Embassy in Muscat celebrated ‘Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation’ (ITEC) Day on Tuesday.

The function was attended by about 100 participants, which included ITEC alumni from Oman, officials and professionals from diverse sectors who have participated in various training courses in India under ITEC programmes. The function was also attended by many officials from various Omani authorities/agencies, looking after training aspects of their employees.

H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid al Sa’eedi, Minister of Health, the chief guest, in his address lauded historically close relations between India and Oman.

He mentioned that participation of a large number of Omani nationals in various ITEC courses in India over the years had further strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, H E Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to Oman, noted that over the years, the ITEC programme has received a good response in Oman and hundreds of Omani officials have taken part in ITEC courses.

H E Narang conveyed his appreciation to the Ministry of Health, Foreign Ministry and other ministries and organisations in Oman for their support in implementing the ITEC programme in Oman.

H E Narang stressed that the Government of India is a strong partner in Oman’s journey to achieve objectives of Oman Vision 2040 for which the ITEC programme can be a key facilitator. Specialised training, human resource development and skill upgradation is an integral part of this journey for which ITEC is an ideal platform.

He said under the programme, special customised 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 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, its culture and traditions.

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 the 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.