Asian Productivity Organization | 28 May 2025

Source: PIB 

India has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Governing Body Meeting (GBM).

Asian Productivity Organization (APO) 

• About: The APO, is an intergovernmental body established in 1961 with headquarters at Tokyo.  
  • It aims to improve productivity through regional cooperation and capacity building across the Asia-Pacific region. 
  • It contributes to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the region through policy advisory services, and undertaking smart initiatives in the industry, agriculture, service, and public sectors. 
• Members & Organisation Structure: APO membership is open to Asia-Pacific countries that are also members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).  
  • UNESCAP is the regional development arm of the UN for the Asia-Pacific region. 
    • It currently has 21 member economies, including India (a founding member). 
    • Member countries collaborate through their respective National Productivity Organizations (NPOs). 
  • National Productivity Council (NPC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the designated NPO for India. 
    • APO includes the Governing Body, which is the highest decision-making authority and meets annually to set strategic direction, and review performance.