APO Governing Body Meeting Begins in New Delhi with Leadership Transition

The 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) commenced in New Delhi on May 22, 2026. The event is being held at Bharat Mandapam and has brought together senior officials, policymakers, and experts from member economies.

The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal. The meeting will focus on productivity, governance reforms, and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Inaugural Session Highlights and Key Address

The inaugural session featured an address by Shri Piyush Goyal, who attended as the Chief Guest. He highlighted India’s role as the outgoing Chair of the Governing Body during a period of global economic transformation.

The Minister stated that productivity now extends beyond efficiency to include resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. He also cited initiatives such as Make In India, Startup India, Skill India, and the Production Linked Incentive schemes as examples of productivity-driven reforms.

Role Of National Productivity Council and APO Vision

The National Productivity Council (NPC) hosted the event under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Smt. Neerja Sekhar, Director General of NPC India, welcomed delegates and outlined efforts in digital transformation and green productivity.

Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, emphasised that APO Vision 2030 would strengthen governance and institutional collaboration. The Vision aims to drive outcomes-based development and enhance productivity frameworks among member countries.

APO National Awards and Recognition

A key highlight of the session was the APO National Award Conferment Ceremony recognising contributions to productivity and innovation. Awards were presented across multiple categories to individuals for achievements in technical expertise and institutional impact.

Recipients included Ashok Panjwani, Bakul Limbasiya, and Vidushi Mittal alongside Anshul Malhotra and Akhand Pratap Singh. The awardees highlighted the importance of innovation and institutional excellence in advancing sustainable development goals.

Leadership Transition and Key Deliberations

The event also marked a leadership transition, with Prof. Anwar Sanusi of Indonesia assuming the role of APO Chair for 2026–27. He succeeded Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia of India, while representatives from Iran and Japan took over as Vice Chairs.

The plenary session covered agenda approval, financial reports, and auditor appointments. Discussions also included proposals on governance reforms, participation of non-member countries, and implementation strategies for APO Vision 2030.

Read More: IBCA Summit Postponed as India-Africa Forum Meet Deferred.

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Conclusion

The opening day of the 68th APO GBM highlighted India’s engagement in regional productivity initiatives. The meeting brought together multiple stakeholders to address strategic and administrative issues impacting member economies.

Leadership changes and award recognitions marked key developments during the session. The event will conclude on May 22, 2026, following further deliberations on productivity and economic cooperation.

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