Daijiworld Media Network – Jakarta

Jakarta, May 21: India has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) currently underway in Jakarta, Indonesia from May 20 to 22.

The Indian delegation is being led by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and APO director for India.

As chair, India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the APO Vision 2030 and emphasized the importance of the Green Productivity 2.0 framework. Highlighting regional cooperation, India underlined the role of digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in addressing Asia-Pacific’s evolving productivity and development needs.

India also pledged to actively support inclusive and result-oriented APO initiatives. Through the National Productivity Council (NPC), under DPIIT, over 100 Indian professionals participate annually in APO-led training and capacity-building programs, driving improvements across India’s industrial, agricultural, and service sectors.

India has successfully implemented demonstration projects focused on Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 for MSMEs nationwide.

The APO’s Governing Body, its highest decision-making forum, meets annually to shape strategic directions, approve programmes, and review the Secretariat’s performance. This year’s GBM is hosted by the Indonesian government.

Established in 1961, the APO is a Tokyo-based intergovernmental body promoting productivity and cooperation among 21 member economies including India, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and others. India, a founding member, continues to play a vital role in shaping the organization's vision and future.