The 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organization concluded successfully in New Delhi after three days of deliberations, strategic discussions, and high-level engagements held from May 20 to 22 at Bharat Mandapam.
The meeting was hosted by the National Productivity Council under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and 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 May 20 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 May 21 and 22 deliberated on several important agenda items concerning the future direction, governance, and strategic priorities of the APO.
Discussions included the adoption of the Annual Report of the Secretary-General, the Financial Report for the year 2025, appointment of auditors for 2026, recommendations of the APO Vision 2030 Steering Committee, the APO preliminary budget for the 2027–28 biennium, governance reforms, progress reports on regional productivity initiatives, and measures to strengthen institutional performance and compliance.
The inaugural session held on May 21 was graced by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, who delivered the inaugural address as the Guest of Honour.
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, DPIIT, 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.