Goyal stresses innovation, inclusive growth at 68th APO meet

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the need for resilience, innovation and inclusive growth as key pillars of productivity while addressing the 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The three-day meeting, being hosted by India from May 20 to 22, has brought together over 60 senior delegates, policymakers, productivity experts and heads of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) from 20 APO member economies to discuss productivity enhancement and sustainable socioeconomic development across the Asia-Pacific region.Delivering the inaugural address, Goyal said productivity in the current global environment extends beyond efficiency and must also reflect resilience, innovation and inclusive growth. He noted that India was honoured to serve as the outgoing Chair of the APO Governing Body during a transformative phase shaped by rapid technological advancements, sustainability concerns and shifting global economic dynamics.Highlighting India’s reform-driven growth agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister cited flagship initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, Skill India, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the National Logistics Policy, UPI, Aadhaar and ONDC as examples of productivity-led transformation aimed at boosting competitiveness and sustainable development.
The inaugural session began with NPC India Director General Neerja Sekhar welcoming delegates and underlining the National Productivity Council’s focus on digital transformation, green productivity and MSME capability building. DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia, in his opening remarks, said APO Vision 2030 and strategic reforms would strengthen institutional cooperation, governance and outcomes-based development among member economies.
A key highlight of the event was the APO National Award Conferment Ceremony, where productivity champions and technical experts were recognised for contributions towards innovation and sustainable growth. Ashok Panjwani, Director of BEIL Infrastructure Limited, received the APO National Award for Productivity Advocates, while Bakul Limbasiya, Founder Director of Bhathwari Technologies Pvt. Ltd., was honoured with the APO National Award for Productivity Technical Expert.
NPC Special Recognition Awards were also presented to Vidushi Mittal of Kalaaai Studio, Anshul Malhotra of Krishna Wool, and Akhand Pratap Singh, Founder and CEO of Vymanik Aerospace Technologies Pvt. Ltd., for their work in design, textile conservation and aerospace innovation.The meeting also witnessed leadership transitions within the APO, with Prof. Anwar Sanusi assuming charge as APO Chair for 2026–27, succeeding India’s APO Director Amardeep Singh Bhatia. Representatives from Iran and Japan took over as First and Second Vice Chairs respectively.
During the plenary sessions, delegates deliberated on governance reforms, financial reporting standards, participation of non-member countries and implementation of APO Vision 2030 initiatives.Established in 1961, the APO currently comprises 21 member economies and works towards improving productivity for sustainable socioeconomic development across the Asia-Pacific region.