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Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day, 2017

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INDIAN TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION (ITEC) DAY, 2017

High Commissioner of India, Ms Ruchira Kamboj hosted the ITEC Day, 2017 which was commemorated by the High Commission of India, Pretoria and the Consulate General of India, Johannesburg on 13 September 2017 from 11am to 1pm in the High Commission premises.

Among the invited guests were participants in the ITEC programme (alumni) and representatives of Departments of the Government of South Africa including: Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) (India desk) and (Diplomatic Training and International School); Public Service Administration (DPSA); Agriculture; Telecommunications and Postal Services; Trade & Industry (The DTI); Energy; Higher Education and Training; SA Navy Training; Transport; Vaal University of Technology; Council for Geoscience; Public works, National Treasury and Gauteng Department of Finance.

High Commissioner, in her opening remarks, briefly highlighted the outstanding quality and content of the offered courses. High Commissioner also spoke about “New India”. High Commissioner emphasized the practical utility in capacity building and stressed that all available slots should be utilized to benefit fully from the programme.

In a Question & Answer session with three South African government officials who had participated in courses under the ITEC program, the experience of the participants, how it benefitted them personally and professionally, how it contributed to enhanced efficiency in their area of responsibility were discussed. Participants were also asked to bring out any suggestions for improvements in the course content and their total experience. A highlight in participating in the course was the opportunity to interact with other participants from African countries and to gain a broader perspective of issues or challenges, whether shared or unique that would otherwise not be possible. The role and participation of women in all spheres of government and private businesses which was part of the “new India” was also discussed. High Commissioner mentioned the circumnavigation of the earth by an Indian all-women crew in an Indian vessel: INSV Tarini. While acclimatizing to the food and weather were some challenges, the participants generally expressed satisfaction with the course content and have an overall positive impression of the whole training experience.

The function ended with a group photograph with the alumni and government representatives after which the guests interacted and networked over refreshments.