Celebration of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) Day at Haigazian University

Attaer – Lebanon

Embassy of India hosted enthusiastic celebrations of ITEC Day at Haigazian University on 8 March, 2018. The event was attended by a large number of ITEC alumni representing diverse sectors / organizations, including Lebanese Parliament; Internal Security; General Security; various Ministries of Government of Lebanon, Audit and Defence Forces.

HE Jamal Jarrah, Minister of Telecommunications was the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included HE Mayssam Noueiri Director General Ministry of Justice; Mr. Moussa Sbeidi representing HE Ali Osseiran Member of Parliament and the Founding Chairman of Lebanon India Friendship Committee of the Parliament; Mrs. Paty Farrah representing HE Berj Hatjian Director General Ministry of Environment; Mr. Mohammad Oueidat representing HE Zaid Khiyami Director General Ministry of Youth & Sports; Mr. Mohammad al Chami representing HE Alain Bifani Director General Ministry of Finance. A number of other officials and media representatives were also present.

The formal programme included opening remarks by Cd’A.a.i Ms. Ovessa Iqbal welcoming the guests on behalf of HE Sanjiv Arora Ambassador of India to Lebanon; screening of a documentary film giving a brief background on ITEC programme, flagship programmes of Government of India and progress made by India especially in Science and Technology;  remarks by HE Minister Jamal Jarrah, a special dance performance by students attending Bollywood Dance classes at the Embassy. The formal programme was preceded by a reception. A few ITEC alumni also took the floor and shared their experiences during their training in India in highly positive terms.

Ms. Ovessa Iqbal underlined that the long standing ITEC Programme, started in 1964, was an important dimension of India’s partnership with other developing countries. She added that ITEC Day Celebration is also to celebrate the deep rooted friendly ties between India and Lebanon.

HE Jamal Jarrah thanked the long standing initiative of the Government of India for capacity building. During his speech, he also highlighted the future projects of Ministry of Telecommunications and the opportunities available thereof. He added that technical skills attained by the youths of Lebanon through such programmes will be

helpful in successful implementation of such projects.