What happened?
India has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term. This occurred during the 67th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the APO, held from May 20–22, 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Indian delegation was led by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and APO Director for India. India reiterated its commitment to advancing the APO Vision 2030 and expanding the Green Productivity 2.0 framework.
Why it matters to India
Assuming the APO Chairmanship positions India as a leader in regional collaboration for digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the Asia-Pacific. This role allows India to significantly contribute to inclusive, responsive, and results-driven APO programs that address evolving productivity and development challenges. India’s continued participation in APO-led capacity-building initiatives, which involve over 100 Indian professionals annually, contributes to productivity improvements across its industrial, services, and agricultural sectors. Furthermore, India has implemented demonstration projects focusing on Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 applications for MSMEs, aligning with its broader economic and technological goals. As a founding member of the APO, India’s leadership reinforces its pivotal role in shaping the organization’s vision and supporting its initiatives, thereby enhancing its regional influence.