The High Commission of India in Dhaka on Thursday hosted a reception to celebrate the 55th Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day at the high commission office in the city. Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud graced the occasion as the chief guest, said an Indian High Commission press release.
Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das underscored the importance of such programmes in strengthening the capacity of officials of Bangladesh working in various ministries and departments. Such programmes will further enhance the already excellent bilateral cooperation that exists between the two countries, she said.
The ITEC, a flagship programme of the government of India, was instituted in 1964 as part of India’s Development Assistance Programme within the framework of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation offering developing countries the benefits of India’s development experience and appropriate technologies, the release said.
Every year more than 10,000 training slots are offered to 161 partner countries for training courses in various areas like accounts, audit, management, SME, rural development, parliamentary affairs. Bangladesh is India’s foremost and valued partner under the ITEC Cooperation.
Over 4,000 young Bangladeshi professionals have undergone such specialized short and medium term courses in India under the ITEC programme since 2007.
These training programmes provide an opportunity to share the best practices with the brightest brains and India equally benefits from the developmental experiences of Bangladesh. Around 300 ITEC alumni from all walks of life, besides distinguished guests, attended the ITEC Day today.
A short cultural programme organized by Nrittya Chhanda and Bir Srestha Noor Mohammad Public College and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) was also held to mark the day on.