Speaking on the occasion Mr. Najimov, thanked the government of India for providing opportunity to the Uzbek youths for training under ITEC programme.

The ITEC Programme was launched by the Government of India in 1964 as a programme of bilateral cooperation and technical assistance to partner countries. Under this programme, India shares its rich experience in the field of economic development, manpower, skills and technology with 156 friendly countries.

Uzbekistan became an ITEC partner country of India in 1993 and over the years this programme has gained wide popularity in Uzbekistan. Since 1993 more than 1000 Uzbek experts and specialists have been trained in India in diverse areas such as Information Technology, Management, Administration, Banking & Finance, Education & Human Resource Development, English Language, Journalism, Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship, Textile Mills Management, Water Resource Development, NGOs & Civil Society, etc.

This programme is a symbol of India’s goodwill towards the people of Uzbekistan. The annual slots allocated to Uzbekistan were increased to 120 consequent upon the visit of Prime Minister of India, H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, to Tashkent in April 2006. This is the highest number of ITEC slots allocated to any country.

This annual event was attended by more than 250 guests from academia, media, officials, students and ITEC Alumni that included a short cultural performance by ITEC Alumni.