India has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to productivity enhancement and regional collaboration. This was formalised during the 67th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) held from May 20 to 22, 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who serves as the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the APO Director for India.

India’s Vision and Strategic Priorities as Chair

Taking the helm, India reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the APO Vision 2030, which aims to foster sustainable productivity growth and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region. Central to India’s Chairmanship agenda is the strengthening of the Green Productivity 2.0 framework—a critical initiative that integrates environmental sustainability with productivity enhancement.

India underscored the need for regional cooperation among the 21 member economies to collectively tackle challenges through:

• Digital transformation

• Innovation

• Sustainability

• Entrepreneurship

These focus areas align with India’s broader developmental priorities and global commitments, especially in the context of emerging technologies and climate-resilient growth.

Capacity Building and National Initiatives

The country highlighted its active role in APO programmes that directly benefit Indian professionals and industries:

• Over 100 Indian professionals annually participate in APO-led capacity-building initiatives, delivered through the National Productivity Council (NPC) under DPIIT

• These programmes have driven measurable improvements in productivity across industrial, services, and agricultural sectors in India

Moreover, demonstration projects focusing on Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 adoption for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are already operational nationwide. These pilot projects serve as scalable models, improving competitiveness and sustainability at the grassroots level.

About the Asian Productivity Organization

The Asian Productivity Organization, established in 1961 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is an intergovernmental body committed to promoting productivity enhancement across the Asia-Pacific region. The APO currently comprises 21 member economies, including major countries like India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam.

The Governing Body Meeting (GBM) represents the APO’s highest decision-making authority. It is convened annually to:

• Set strategic priorities for the organization

• Review the performance of the APO Secretariat

• Facilitate policy dialogue and cooperation among member nations

India’s Chairmanship is seen as a strategic opportunity to bolster collaborative productivity efforts, especially in light of increasing regional economic integration and the rapid pace of technological change.

Significance of India’s Chairmanship

India’s leadership role at the APO for 2025–26 carries multiple strategic benefits:

• Enhances India’s stature in regional and global productivity discourse

• Promotes Indian expertise in Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 among Asia-Pacific peers

• Facilitates knowledge exchange and partnership opportunities for Indian industries and MSMEs

• Advances the digital and sustainable transformation agenda at a regional level

India’s Chairmanship also aligns with its broader vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

Conclusion

India’s assumption of the APO Chairmanship at the 67th Governing Body Meeting signals its commitment to regional cooperation, productivity enhancement, and sustainable development. With an emphasis on Vision 2030, Green Productivity 2.0, and digital innovation, India aims to play a pivotal role in driving Asia-Pacific economies toward a more productive, resilient, and sustainable future.

India’s leadership promises to strengthen the APO’s impact and foster collaborative efforts among member economies, ultimately benefiting millions through enhanced productivity and sustainable practices across sectors.

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