New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): The 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) concluded efficiently in New Delhi after three days of deliberations, strategic discussions and high-level engagements held from 20-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the assembly was hosted by the National Productivity Council (NPC) beneath the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
The occasion witnessed participation from Heads of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs), senior authorities officers, policymakers, productiveness specialists and delegates from APO member economies.
The three-day programme commenced on 20 May 2026 with preparatory and closed-door conferences, adopted by networking and cultural engagements aimed toward strengthening regional cooperation and collaboration amongst member economies.
The plenary periods held on 21 and 22 May 2026 deliberated on a number of vital agenda gadgets in regards to the future path, 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, suggestions of the APO Vision 2030 Steering Committee, APO preliminary finances for the 2027-28 biennium, governance reforms, progress experiences on regional productiveness initiatives and measures for strengthening institutional efficiency and compliance.
The inaugural session held on 21 May 2026 was graced by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, who delivered the inaugural deal with because the Guest of Honour.
Goyal highlighted India’s productivity-led development, digital public infrastructure, manufacturing and logistics reforms, MSME empowerment, sustainability initiatives and regional cooperation.
The Governing Body Meeting additionally marked key management transitions, with APO Director for Indonesia, Prof. Anwar Sanusi, assuming cost 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, Amardeep Singh Bhatia. The Acting APO Directors for Iran and Japan assumed the roles of First and Second Vice Chairs, respectively.
A significant spotlight of the occasion was the presentation of the APO Awards for Productivity Advocates, Technical Experts and NPC Special Recognition Awards in recognition of excellent contributions to productiveness enhancement and organisational excellence.
The Asian Productivity Organization established the APO Accreditation Body (APO-AB) to evaluate and accredit Certification Bodies for Productivity Specialists amongst APO member economies. So far, 13 APO member economies, together with India, have obtained certification. During the occasion, the APO-AB Accreditation Certificate was introduced to the National Productivity Organization Certification Body of Cambodia.
During the Governing Body Meeting, member economies reaffirmed their collective dedication in direction of advancing the targets of APO Vision 2030 and strengthening cooperation in areas resembling digital transformation, sustainable growth, innovation, capability constructing and productivity-led development.
The closing session held on 22 May 2026 commenced with remarks by the APO Chair, adopted by observations from India’s Alternate Director, Neerja Sekhar. This was adopted by the announcement that the 69th GBM might be hosted in Lao PDR in 2027 and the 67th Workshop Summit Meeting (SM) of Heads of APO Economies might be held in Sri Lanka in 2027.
Under ‘Any Other Business,’ APO knowledgeable member economies concerning the initiative beneath GAIA (Genuine AI Action), beneath Vision 2030, emphasising AI-driven productiveness enhancement and modernisation of coaching programs. Thereafter, the Summary Record of Proceedings (Days 1 and a couple of) was adopted as introduced by the Second Vice Chair, Japan, and the session concluded with the closing assertion by the APO Chair.
Later, delegates participated in cultural visits to distinguished heritage websites in Delhi, together with 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 together with sculptures, manuscripts and artefacts reflecting India’s Buddhist heritage. Hosted on the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi, the exposition highlighted India’s religious and civilisational legacy. Delegates appreciated the chance to expertise India’s wealthy cultural heritage.
The profitable internet hosting of the 68th Governing Body Meeting of the Asian Productivity Organization reaffirmed India’s dedication to advancing productiveness, strengthening regional cooperation and fostering sustainable socio-economic growth throughout the Asia-Pacific area. (ANI)