India program hailed

By Kolopu Waima

Papua New Guinea officials who have received training in various institutions in India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, celebrated ITEC day on September 28, 2012.

The day was organised at India House and attracted a large number of officials and students that have benefited from the program.

First Secretary Shri C.K. Damodaran, in his welcome speech, said that the ITEC program has evolved and grown over the years. 

He said that under the program, 158 countries in Asia, East Europe, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, as well as Pacific and other island countries, are invited to share in the Indian developmental experience in various fields. 

“As a result, there is now a visible and growing awareness among other countries about the competence of India as a provider of technical know-how and expertise, as well as of training opportunities, consultancy services and feasibility studies,” he said. 

West New Britain Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel, who was the guest speaker at the night, thanked the Government of India for its support to PNG and stressed the importance of agricultural development in PNG. He said that he was impressed by the Barefoot College introduced in India and expressed a desire to send a number of people from his province of West New Britain to India for training at the Barefoot College, in Tilonia. The governor said that there was a need for innovative mechanisms to suit local cultural mores, for efficient and optimal production that meets local demand. 

“This innovative streak could be developed by building entrepreneurial talent by way of specialised training and India could help in this endeavour,” he said.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner, Dr A.M. Gondane, assured of India’s willingness to share its technical know-how and expertise with the friendly people of PNG. 

He said the alumni, who were placed in various positions in the Government departments, should utilise their experience in enriching the administrative milieu. He felt that the gap between PNG personnel and expatriates could be narrowed by way of specialised capacity building so that PNG personnel occupy all the major positions. He promised that additional training/scholarship slots could be provided if there was need and demand from the PNG establishment. 

“India is willing to engage more extensively with PNG in areas of training, trade, investment, culture, defence, etc., in near future,” the High Commissioner said.