**Executive Summary**
The 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) concluded in New Delhi on 22 May 2026, focusing on the Vision 2030 roadmap and institutional performance. Key outcomes included the adoption of financial reports, leadership transitions for the 2026–27 term, and the introduction of the GAIA (Genuine AI Action) initiative. The next GBM is scheduled to take place in Lao PDR in 2027.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Governance and Strategic Planning**
* Adopted the Secretary-General’s Annual Report and the Financial Report for the Year 2025.
* Appointed auditors for 2026 and reviewed the preliminary budget for the 2027–28 biennium.
* Deliberated on governance reforms, institutional compliance, and progress reports on regional productivity initiatives.
* Reaffirmed commitment to APO Vision 2030 objectives, including digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable development.
* **Leadership Transitions**
* Prof. Anwar Sanusi (APO Director for Indonesia) assumed the role of APO Chair for 2026–27.
* Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia (APO Director for India) concluded his term as Chair.
* Acting APO Directors for Iran and Japan were appointed as First and Second Vice Chairs, respectively.
* **Technological Initiatives and Accreditation**
* Introduced the GAIA (Genuine AI Action) initiative under Vision 2030 to enhance AI-driven productivity and modernize training systems.
* The APO Accreditation Body (APO-AB) presented an Accreditation Certificate to the National Productivity Organization Certification Body of Cambodia.
* **Awards and Recognition**
* Presented APO Awards for Productivity Advocates and Technical Experts.
* Conferred NPC Special Recognition Awards for outstanding contributions to organisational excellence and productivity enhancement.
* **Future Engagements**
* Announced that the 69th GBM will be hosted by Lao PDR in 2027.
* Confirmed the 67th Workshop Summit Meeting (SM) of Heads of APO Economies will be held in Sri Lanka in 2027.
**Impact Analysis**
**APO Member Economies**
**Impact**
Member economies are now aligned under a unified strategy for AI-driven productivity (GAIA) and a preliminary budget for the 2027–28 biennium.
**Action Required**
Implement regional productivity initiatives and align national policies with the reaffirmed objectives of APO Vision 2030.
**Prof. Anwar Sanusi (APO Chair 2026–27)**
**Impact**
As the newly appointed Chair, he assumes responsibility for leading the organization’s strategic direction for the upcoming year.
**Action Required**
Oversee the execution of governance reforms and the recommendations of the Vision 2030 Steering Committee.
**National Productivity Organizations (NPOs)**
**Impact**
NPOs, such as Cambodia’s, are gaining formal accreditation to certify productivity specialists, enhancing their local institutional standing.
**Action Required**
Heads of NPOs must prepare for the 67th Workshop Summit Meeting in Sri Lanka in 2027.
**Government of India (Host)**
**Impact**
Successfully hosting the session reaffirmed India's commitment to regional cooperation and its role in digital public infrastructure and manufacturing reforms.
**Action Required**
Continue supporting the APO through the National Productivity Council (NPC) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Key Entities Referenced
Asian Productivity Organization (APO): An intergovernmental organization focused on enhancing productivity in the Asia-Pacific region, whose Governing Body Meeting establishes strategic direction and governance.
APO Vision 2030: The strategic roadmap and policy framework guiding the long-term goals, AI-driven productivity initiatives, and institutional performance of the Asian Productivity Organization.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT): The nodal department under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, responsible for hosting the APO Governing Body Meeting and promoting industrial productivity.
National Productivity Council (NPC): The autonomous host organization in India that executed the 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting of the APO.
GAIA (Genuine AI Action): An initiative under Vision 2030 focused on AI-driven productivity enhancement and the modernization of training systems among member economies.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting of
the Asian Productivity Organisation Concludes in
New Delhi
APO Governing Body Reviews Vision 2030 Roadmap and
Institutional Performance Measures
Posted On: 23 MAY 2026 12:02PM by PIB Delhi
The 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO)
concluded successfully in New Delhi after three days of deliberations, strategic discussions and high-level
engagements held from 20–22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
The meeting was hosted by the National Productivity Council (NPC) under the aegis of the Department
for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of
India. The event witnessed participation from Heads of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs),
senior government officials, policymakers, productivity experts and delegates from APO member
economies.
The three-day programme commenced on 20 May 2026 with preparatory and closed-door meetings,
followed by networking and cultural engagements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and
collaboration among member economies.
The plenary sessions held on 21 and 22 May 2026 deliberated on several important agenda items
concerning the future direction, governance and strategic priorities of the APO. Discussions included
adoption of the Annual Report of the Secretary-General, Financial Report for the Year 2025, appointment
of auditors for 2026, recommendations of the APO Vision 2030 Steering Committee, APO preliminary
budget for the 2027–28 biennium, governance reforms, progress reports on regional productivity
initiatives and measures for strengthening institutional performance and compliance.
The inaugural session held on 21 May 2026 was graced by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri
Piyush Goyal, who delivered the inaugural address as the Guest of Honour. Shri Goyal highlighted India’s
productivity-led growth, digital public infrastructure, manufacturing and logistics reforms, MSME
empowerment, sustainability initiatives and regional cooperation.
The Governing Body Meeting also marked key leadership transitions, with APO Director for Indonesia,
Prof. Anwar Sanusi, assuming charge as APO Chair for 2026–27, succeeding APO Director for India and
Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce &
Industry, Government of India, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia. The Acting APO Directors for Iran and Japan
assumed the roles of First and Second Vice Chairs, respectively.A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the APO Awards for Productivity Advocates,
Technical Experts and NPC Special Recognition Awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to
productivity enhancement and organisational excellence.
The Asian Productivity Organization established the APO Accreditation Body (APO-AB) to assess and
accredit Certification Bodies for Productivity Specialists among APO member economies. So far, 13 APO
member economies, including India, have received certification. During the event, the APO-AB
Accreditation Certificate was presented to the National Productivity Organization Certification Body of
Cambodia.
During the Governing Body Meeting, member economies reaffirmed their collective commitment towards
advancing the objectives of APO Vision 2030 and strengthening cooperation in areas such as digital
transformation, sustainable development, innovation, capacity building and productivity-led growth.
The closing session held on 22 May 2026 commenced with remarks by the APO Chair, followed by
observations from India’s Alternate Director, Smt. Neerja Sekhar. This was followed by the announcement
that the 69th GBM will be hosted in Lao PDR in 2027 and the 67th Workshop Summit Meeting (SM) of
Heads of APO Economies will be held in Sri Lanka in 2027.
Under “Any Other Business,” APO informed member economies about the initiative under GAIA
(Genuine AI Action), under Vision 2030, emphasising AI-driven productivity enhancement and
modernisation of training systems. Thereafter, the Summary Record of Proceedings (Days 1 and 2) was
adopted as presented by the Second Vice Chair, Japan, and the session concluded with the closing
statement by the APO Chair.
Later, delegates participated in cultural visits to prominent heritage sites in Delhi, including the National
Museum, Humayun’s Tomb, the India Gate–Central Vista ceremonial avenue and The Light and the Lotus:
Relics of the Awakened One. The exposition showcased sacred relics of Lord Buddha along with
sculptures, manuscripts and artefacts reflecting India’s Buddhist heritage. Hosted at the Rai Pithora
Cultural Complex, New Delhi, the exposition highlighted India’s spiritual and civilisational legacy.
Delegates appreciated the opportunity to experience India’s rich cultural heritage.
The successful hosting of the 68th Governing Body Meeting of the Asian Productivity Organization
reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing productivity, strengthening regional cooperation and
fostering sustainable socio-economic development across the Asia-Pacific region.
***
Abhishek Dayal/Garima Singh/Anushka Pandey
(Release ID: 2264444) Visitor Counter : 735
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