Media statement by Nomonde Mbadi, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs

The Consul General of India in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will celebrate the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day on Saturday, 28 March 2009. This occasion will commence at 17h30 in the Hotel School on Ritson Campus, DUT.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme popularly known as “ITEC” was launched in 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India. Under ITEC and its corollary SCAAP (Special Commonwealth Assistance for Africa Programme) 156 countries in Asia, East Europe, Central Asia, Africa and Latin America are invited to share in the Indian Developmental experience acquired over five decades of India’s existence as a free Nation.
ITEC is about cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. It is response oriented and it addresses the needs of developing countries.

India spends about Rs.500 million annually on ITEC activities. Since 1964, India has provided over US $2 billion worth of technical assistance to developing countries, including neighboring countries (assistance to whom is administered separately).

ITEC is the flag bearer of the Indian Governments technical cooperation effort, not only because of its wide geographical coverage but also for innovative forms of technical cooperation in which it has assisted.

Indian Technical Economic Cooperation has five components viz (1) Training in India of nominees of ITEC partner countries; (2) Projects and project related activities such as feasibility studies and consultancy services; (3) Deputation of Indian experts abroad ; (4) Study Tours. (5) Aid for Disaster Relief (ADR).

For more information contact:
Ms. Kalpita Sen
Librarian
Indian Culture Centre
Consulate General of India
1 Kingsmead Boulevard
Kingsmead Office Park
Durban 4000
Tel: 031-3324221
Fax: 031-3327073
Email:icc2@cgidbn.com