Jakarta, May 21, 2025: In a landmark development at the 67th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 20–22 May 2025, India has formally assumed the APO Chairmanship for the 2025–26 term. The Indian delegation is led by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and APO Director for India.
This strategic leadership role reaffirms India’s unwavering commitment to the APO Vision 2030, which aims to create a resilient, inclusive, and innovative productivity ecosystem across Asia-Pacific. As Chair, India will steer the organization’s strategic agenda for 2025–26, placing a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship—all key pillars in the current productivity paradigm.
India’s Strategic Focus as APO Chair
In his address to the Governing Body, Shri Bhatia highlighted India’s intent to:
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Champion the Green Productivity 2.0 framework.
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Encourage regional cooperation to address pressing challenges like climate change, technological disruption, and resource efficiency.
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Support inclusive and outcome-oriented programs that enhance productivity in sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to services and MSMEs.
India’s leadership comes at a time when productivity is being redefined in light of global disruptions and digital innovation. By anchoring the 2025–26 agenda on sustainability and digital capacity-building, India seeks to strengthen regional cooperation for future-ready economies.
India’s Role in APO: A Legacy of Impact
India has been a founding member of the APO since its establishment in 1961 and has played a critical role in shaping the organization’s core strategies and development models. Through its national implementing body, the National Productivity Council (NPC) under DPIIT, India ensures active participation in APO initiatives.
Key contributions include:
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Over 100 Indian professionals annually taking part in APO-led training and capacity-building programs.
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Implementation of demonstration projects such as:
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Green Productivity interventions in manufacturing and agriculture.
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Industry 4.0 adoption for MSMEs.
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Digital upskilling for workforce transformation.
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These efforts have not only enhanced domestic productivity but also served as models for other APO member economies.
Significance of the 67th Governing Body Meeting
The Governing Body is the highest decision-making authority of the APO. It sets the strategic roadmap, reviews the performance of the Secretariat, and approves key proposals for member economies. The 67th session, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, brought together high-level representatives from all 21 APO members.
These include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Taiwan, Fiji, Hong Kong (dormant), India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, and Vietnam.
Conclusion of APO Chairmanship: A Vision for Shared Growth
India’s Chairmanship of the APO for 2025–26 is both a responsibility and an opportunity—to lead the Asia-Pacific region into a new era of productivity marked by digital innovation, green growth, and inclusive development. India’s reaffirmation of its commitment to APO Vision 2030 and Green Productivity 2.0 reflects a forward-looking approach that balances economic expansion with environmental responsibility.
By aligning APO’s initiatives with its own national goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Digital India, the country is poised to lead a transformative journey that will shape the future of productivity across Asia and beyond.
For more details check the press release on PIB website.
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