MAY 21: India has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the term 2025–26, marking a significant leadership milestone during the 67th Governing Body Meeting (GBM) held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 20–22 May 2025. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and APO Director for India.
As Chair, India reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the APO Vision 2030, with a clear emphasis on Green Productivity 2.0, digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. India’s agenda for the upcoming term focuses on fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region through collaborative, results-driven initiatives.
India also stressed the importance of regional cooperation in overcoming emerging productivity challenges and enhancing the competitiveness of member economies. The country expressed its readiness to contribute to impactful APO programs that address evolving industrial, agricultural, and service-sector needs.
Highlighting India’s active role within the APO framework, Shri Bhatia noted that over 100 Indian professionals participate annually in APO’s capacity-building programs through the National Productivity Council (NPC) under DPIIT. These initiatives have supported productivity growth across diverse sectors. India has also successfully implemented APO demonstration projects focusing on Green Productivity and Industry 4.0, particularly benefiting MSMEs.
The Governing Body Meeting, APO’s highest decision-making forum, convenes annually to review the organization’s progress, approve strategic proposals, and set the future course of action. This year’s GBM is hosted by the Government of Indonesia.
Founded in 1961, the Asian Productivity Organization is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Tokyo, committed to enhancing productivity in the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation, policy dialogue, and knowledge-sharing. With 21 member economies, including India, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and others, the APO plays a vital role in advancing sustainable economic growth across the region.
As a founding member, India has significantly contributed to shaping APO’s mission over the decades. Its leadership during this term is expected to bring renewed momentum to regional productivity goals and bolster sustainable and innovation-led development throughout Asia and the Pacific.
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