Phnom penh: A delegation of 60 Cambodian officials is set to participate in two separate training programmes in India, aimed at enhancing their governance and judicial capacities. Forty officials from various Cambodian ministries will partake in a Capacity Building Programme for Civil Servants at the National Centre for Good Governance in Mussoorie, under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme of the Government of India. Meanwhile, 20 officials from the Ministry of Justice will engage in a Special Training Programme for Judges and Ministry Officials at the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the first course, scheduled from January 19 to 30, 2026, is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to design and implement effective public policies, thereby achieving good governance and enabling them to effectively fulfill their administrative responsibilities. The second course, set for January 19 to 23, 2026, focuses on enhancing the institutional capacity of judges and ministry officials, with the ultimate goal of improving public service delivery.
Prior to their departure, a send-off event was hosted by Indian Ambassador H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung in Phnom Penh for the 60 Cambodian officials. The event was attended by H.E. Chin Malin, the Permanent Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice, and served as a platform for dialogue on governance and judicial matters. Alumni members also shared their experiences during the gathering.
In his address, the Indian Ambassador emphasized India's commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives in Cambodia. He highlighted the importance of these collaborative efforts in bringing the two countries closer together.
This partnership between India and Cambodia reflects a shared vision for progress and development, aiming to enhance the skills and knowledge of officials pivotal in governance and justice. The courses are expected to strengthen the capacity of officials and facilitate the exchange of experiences between the two countries.
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, or ITEC, is the Ministry of External Affairs' leading capacity-building platform. Established in 1964, ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalized arrangements for international capacity building and has trained over 225,000 officials from more than 160 countries in both civilian and defense sectors through programmes conducted by over 120 participating institutions in India. Annually, approximately 300 officials from Cambodia participate in various training programmes under ITEC.