Press Release – Fiji Celebrates Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day

Lami, October 31, 2025 – The Government of Fiji joined the High Commission of India and members of the diplomatic community in commemorating the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami. The event celebrated over six decades of partnership built on knowledge, trust, and a shared commitment to progress between Fiji and India.

Speaking at the celebration, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame R. Gavoka, commended India’s enduring global initiative under ITEC, describing it as “one of the world’s most enduring models of international cooperation and development.”

Since its establishment in 1964, the ITEC Programme has trained over 200,000 professionals from more than 160 countries. Through India’s leading institutions, participants gain vital expertise in governance, technology, and innovation. For Fiji, this partnership has been especially impactful, with more than 800 Fijians benefiting across key sectors such as civil service, defence, health, education, and technology.

“These Fijians return home not only with new skills but with a renewed sense of public service,” Hon. Gavoka said. “They help modernize our systems, strengthen leadership in ministries, and improve service delivery for our people.”

The Minister described ITEC as a bridge of friendship between Fiji and India, emphasizing that development is best achieved through cooperation. “India’s support for Fiji has been steady and sincere,” he noted, citing India’s assistance in healthcare, renewable energy, ICT, and agriculture as key examples of partnership in action.

Hon. Gavoka highlighted the outcomes of Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to India in August 2025, which reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation. Among the major outcomes was India’s announcement to fund a 100-bed Super Specialty Hospital in Suva — the largest Indian Grant-in-Aid project in the Pacific — aimed at strengthening Fiji’s healthcare capacity and access to specialized services.

He also acknowledged India’s agricultural contributions, including the provision of cowpea seeds, agricultural drones, and mobile soil testing laboratories, alongside upcoming technical support to the Fiji Sugar Corporation and training for sugar professionals.

Beyond technical cooperation, the event also highlighted the growing cultural and educational ties between the two countries. A Hindi-cum-Sanskrit teacher has recently joined the University of Fiji under the ITEC Expert Scheme, while a group of Fijian Pundits will soon travel to India for training and participation in the International Geeta Mahotsav.

“These exchanges preserve our languages, strengthen cultural understanding, and deepen the bonds between our peoples,” Hon. Gavoka stated.

As the evening concluded, the Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s gratitude to the Government and people of India for their unwavering friendship and commitment.

“ITEC represents more than technical training; it symbolizes shared progress,” Hon. Gavoka said. “It shows that nations, regardless of size, learn from one another and grow together. We look forward to building on this partnership guided by respect, wisdom, and our shared belief that progress must uplift everyone.”

Images Courtesy of: IClick Fiji

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