India’s ITEC Program Powers Cambodia’s Public Sector Transformation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.16, 2025) — India’s flagship development initiative is reshaping Cambodia’s public sector, with hundreds of officials gaining global expertise through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, celebrated on Monday in Phnom Penh.

The Embassy of India marked ITEC Day by spotlighting the program’s four-decade legacy of building institutional capacity and advancing Cambodia’s national development. Around 300 Cambodian officials benefit annually from fully funded training in India, spanning governance, finance, digital transformation and climate resilience.

Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy called ITEC a “cornerstone” of bilateral ties, crediting it with strengthening public service delivery and preparing officials to manage complex reforms.

“India remains a trusted and committed partner in Cambodia’s journey toward a knowledge-based, technologically advanced economy,” Vanndy said.

He cited recent milestones, including the 2022 “Kampot Enrichment of Science, Technology & Innovation” Quick Impact Project and the upcoming launch of a science library in Battambang. More than 20 ministry officials recently completed governance training in India.

Cambodia’s regional leadership was also highlighted, with the country hosting the ASEAN-India Grassroot Innovation Forum in 2022 and this year’s ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave.

Established in 1964, ITEC offers training, expert exchanges and collaborative projects across developing nations. In Cambodia, it has become a key driver of human capital development and people-to-people ties.