India Assumes Chairmanship of Asian Productivity Organization for 2025–26

India has formally taken over the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term, during the 67th Session of the APO Governing Body Meeting, being held from May 20–22 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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

Image Source: PIB

As Chair, India reaffirmed its commitment to the APO Vision 2030 and the advancement of the Green Productivity 2.0 framework. It also stressed the need for regional cooperation in digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. India expressed its intent to support inclusive and result-oriented programs to address the productivity challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

Over 100 Indian professionals participate annually in APO-led capacity-building programs through the National Productivity Council (NPC) under DPIIT. These programs have contributed to productivity gains across India’s industrial, services, and agricultural sectors, with several demonstration projects focused on Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 applications for MSMEs.

The Governing Body is the APO’s highest decision-making authority and meets annually to set strategic priorities, approve proposals, and review performance. This year’s session is hosted by the Government of Indonesia.

Founded in 1961, the Asian Productivity Organization is an intergovernmental body headquartered in Tokyo, promoting productivity through cooperation and capacity building among its 21 member economies, including India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and others. India, a founding member, has played a key role in shaping the organization’s long-term vision.