AKP Phnom Penh, September 16, 2025 -- “India remains a trusted and committed partner in Cambodia’s journey toward a knowledge-based and technologically advanced economy,” said H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, while attending as the Guest of Honour the celebration of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh on Sept. 15.

The Embassy of India in Cambodia marked the ITEC Day with a celebration highlighting the programme’s role in fostering human resource development and strengthening institutions in Cambodia. For more than four decades, ITEC has provided “knowledge, friendship, and opportunity,” helping Cambodian officials gain skills while strengthening institutions contributing to national development.

H.E. Hem Vanndy hailed the initiative as a cornerstone of Cambodia–India relations. “By equipping our public officials with global perspectives and practical skills, the programme strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality public services, manage economic transformation, and respond to emerging challenges, from climate resilience to digital governance,” he said.

More than 20 officials from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) have recently joined policy and governance training in India, and around 300 ITEC slots are offered annually to Cambodian officials.

The Minister also highlighted tangible outcomes of cooperation, such as the 2022 “Kampot Enrichment of Science, Technology & Innovation” Quick Impact Project, and announced the establishment of a new Science Library in Battambang to nurture scientific curiosity among students.

He further pointed to regional initiatives, including Cambodia’s hosting of the ASEAN-India Grassroot Innovation Forum in 2022 and this year’s ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave.

According to MISTI, established in 1964, ITEC is India’s flagship capacity-building programme offering fully funded training, expert exchanges, and project collaborations across developing countries. In Cambodia, it has supported public administration, banking, finance, and digital transformation while fostering stronger people-to-people ties.

By C. Nika