India to lead APO’s strategic agenda for 2025–26, focusing on innovation, sustainability and digital transformation

India reaffirms commitment to APO Vision 2030 and Green Productivity 2.0

India has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the ongoing 67th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the APO, being held from 20–22 May 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Indian delegation is led by IAS, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and APO Director for India, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia.

As Chair of the APO, India reiterated its commitment to advancing the APO Vision 2030 and expanding the Green Productivity 2.0 framework. India emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in driving digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It also expressed its intent to contribute to inclusive, responsive, and results-driven APO programs that address evolving productivity and development challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

Each year, over 100 Indian professionals participate in APO-led capacity-building initiatives through the National Productivity Council (NPC) under DPIIT. These programs contribute significantly to productivity improvements in India's industrial, services, and agricultural sectors. Several demonstration projects, including those focused on Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 applications for MSMEs, have also been implemented across the country.

The Governing Body is the APO’s highest decision-making authority and meets annually to set the organization’s strategic direction, approve major proposals, and review Secretariat performance. The 67th GBM is being hosted by the Government of Indonesia.

Established in 1961, the Asian Productivity Organization is a Tokyo-based intergovernmental body that promotes productivity enhancement across the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation and capacity building. The APO currently comprises 21 member economies, including 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. As one of its founding members, India has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s vision and supporting its initiatives.

 

Regional productivity leadership: India to chair APO, advancing digital transformation, sustainability, and green productivity agendas. India has assumed the 2025-26 Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization and will steer the APO agenda toward digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship while reaffirming support for APO Vision 2030 and Green Productivity 2.0. India emphasised capacity building through the National Productivity Council, which engages Indian professionals in APO programs and implements demonstration projects including Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 applications for MSMEs, and framed these efforts within the Governing Body's mandate to set strategic direction and review Secretariat performance.