Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

India has officially taken over as the Chair of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term. This development was announced during the 67th Session of the APO Governing Body Meeting, which is currently underway.

Overview of the Asian Productivity Organization

The APO is a regional intergovernmental entity established in 1961 with the aim of enhancing productivity across the Asia-Pacific through collaborative efforts.

It plays a vital role in promoting sustainable economic and social development by offering policy recommendations, functioning as a think tank, and initiating smart productivity measures across various sectors including industry, agriculture, services, and public administration.

To foster future readiness in the region, the APO assists member nations in crafting national productivity strategies and invests in institutional development through research and the establishment of centers of excellence.

The organization is apolitical, nonprofit, and operates without discrimination.

Membership is open to countries within the Asia-Pacific that are also part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). At present, the APO has 21 member economies: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Republic of China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam. India was among the founding members.

These countries collaborate to improve productivity by exchanging knowledge, information, and experiences. They coordinate APO activities through designated National Productivity Organizations (NPOs).

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

Organizational Framework:

The APO’s structure consists of three main components: the Governing Body, National Productivity Organizations (NPOs), and the Secretariat, which is led by a Secretary-General.
The Governing Body is the organization’s top decision-making entity, convening annually to chart strategic priorities, approve key initiatives, and evaluate the performance of the Secretariat.