Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the importance of resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth in today’s productivity landscape. He praised India’s reforms led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). Initiatives like Make In India, Startup India, and others were cited as examples of India’s productivity-focused transformations, showcasing a commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development.
The event gathered senior government officials, National Productivity Organizations’ Heads, policymakers, and delegates from APO member economies. Neerja Sekhar, Director General of NPC India, emphasized digital transformation, green productivity, and capability building to support MSMEs and enhance competitiveness. Dr. VK Saraswat, former NITI Aayog Member, stressed the recognition of productivity champions and technical experts for enhancing national and regional productivity.
During the event, APO National Award certificates were presented by Goyal, with awardees acknowledging the role of productivity, innovation, and institutional excellence in sustainable development. The meeting also witnessed leadership transitions, with Professor Anwar Sanusi of Indonesia assuming the APO Chair for 2026–27. The APO, established in 1961 with 21 member economies, focuses on improving productivity for sustainable socioeconomic development in the Asia-Pacific region through cooperation and policy support.
