Indian experts to assist Ministry of Trade and Industry

ITEC day celebrated

By Groum Abate

Two Indian experts are expected here in Addis shortly under ITEC, Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation, to assist in strengthening the inter-office communication and LAN system of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Another two experts are expected to join under ITEC in the field of Metallurgical Engineering and Foundry Design and Methods Unit.
This was disclosed at the celebration of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) day at the Indian Embassy on Monday September 15.
In her welcoming speech, Her Excellency Mrs. Jordana Diengdoh Pavel, Ambassador of India, stressed that ITEC is about cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. It is response-oriented and addresses the needs of developing countries. It is unique in its flexibility and the wide spectrum of economic activity that it seeks to cover.
So far 154 countries in Asia, Africa, East Europe, Central and Latin America, Pacific and Small Island countries have benefited in sharing the Indian Development experience acquired over five decades since India’s independence in 1947.
Out of over 1400 international trainees who attend various technical courses in India each year, more than half come from Africa. Besides trainees, on an average, about 50 Indian experts are deputed abroad at any given time.
The ambassador also added that India possesses the skills and technology needed for development that it could share with developing countries. This cooperation is appropriate with the geographical and ecological conditions and the level of technological development of several developing countries. The compatibility, she said, makes it easier for absorption.
Indian experts have made a difference in many countries including Afghanistan, Mauritius, Lao DPR, Vietnam, Senegal, Namibia, Lesotho, Guyana and Colombia.
ITEC program has grown from a very modest budget of around 12,000 dollars in 1964 to 10 million dollars today. It is estimated that India has so far spent around 3 billion dollars under the program.
ITEC programs are channeled through provision of training in India; deputation of experts; feasibility studies and consultancy services; and undertaking of specific projects.
The ITEC program with Ethiopia started with the sinning of agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation in 1969 and 20 slots are reserved for Ethiopia every year for training in various institutions under the agreement. ITEC program for 2003-04 is available in various areas of expertise such as general management program for senior executives, international training program in Legislative Drafting, Audit of Information Technology, Audit of Public Enterprise and Privatization, International Program in Banking and Development, etc.
Speaking as an honorary guest of the occasion Dr. Teshome Yizengaw, Ethiopia’s Vice Minister of Education mentioned that the Government of Ethiopia is pursuing development policies to alleviate poverty in the country and labeled ITEC’s program of “paramount importance.”
The event was also attended by over 250 people from various sectors of the community including officials of the government such as Dr. Mulu Ketsela, State Minister for Finance and Economic Development; Ato Gebre-Medhin Belay, Vice Minister for Agriculture, Ato Abi Woldemeskel, Director General of Ethiopian Investment Authority; Ato Gizaw Molla, Director General of Export Promotion Agency; Ato Ambachew Abraha, Managing Director for Ethiopian Shipping Lines and a large number of ITEC alumni, senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education, Trade and Industry, Information, public enterprises, representatives of major business enterprises and prominent Indian professors.