(Phnom Penh): The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh organized an event to celebrate the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day on September 15, 2025, at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This event highlighted India’s commitment to enhancing technical cooperation and strengthening ties with Cambodia, showcasing the profound impact of the ITEC initiative.
Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science & Technology and Innovation (MISTI) was the guest of honour at the event. The event was also attended by distinguished guests including Sry Thamarong, Senior Minister, Eat Sophea, Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State for Rural Development and President of the Cambodia-India Alumni Association; Khy Sovanratana, Secretary of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Kuch Panhasa, Secretary of State of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia; along with over 100 alumni members.
In his welcoming address, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung highlighted that ITEC programme as a flagship capacity-building platform of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and stands as one of the oldest institutional frameworks for international development cooperation. He said that the guiding philosophy of ITEC is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the belief that the world is one family. He noted that ITEC offers over 12000 fully-funded in-person training opportunities annually through over 300 courses conducted by over 120 premier institutions in India. To date, over 225,000 officials from over 160 countries have been trained in civilian and defense sectors under this initiative.
Ambassador Vanlalvawna also informed the gathering about a recent major reform by India in overhauling its Goods and Services Tax(GST), which was first introduced in 2017. He said the next generation GST which is citizen centric in its approach is aimed at simplifying taxation, to help the common man and foster economic growth and investments. The GST reforms will bring in structural changes, rate rationalisation and enhanced ease of doing business. At the heart of the reforms is a shift from the existing multi-tiered slab system which presently consists of 5 different rates to a more streamlined two-tier structure of 5 % and 18 % with an additional 40% de-merit rate for luxury and sin goods. He encouraged businesses in Cambodia to take advantage of the GST reforms in India and identify the opportunities it provides to Cambodian business.
Through the ITEC programme, India offers technical assistance and training opportunities in various fields, including IT, banking, administration, and audit, among others. The training programmes cover both civilian and defense personnel with the Government of India covering all expenses related to international airfare, boarding, and lodging for selected candidates. Since the commencement of ITEC programmes in Cambodia, around 3000 Cambodian nationals have participated in various training courses under ITEC. Last year, a total 294 Cambodian officials participated in this programme.
The spotlight then shifted to inspiring testimonials from ITEC alumni Ms. Lay Kanika, Deputy Director General of Ministry of Tourism. She shared her personal journeys and the positive impact the program had on their professional lives.
The evening culminated in a vibrant Indian cultural program, offering attendees a taste of India’s rich heritage. This celebration was not just an event; it was a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
