Productivity – India Highlights Reform Push at Asian Productivity Meeting
Productivity – India’s approach to productivity is no longer limited to improving output and operational efficiency, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said while addressing the 68th Session of the Governing Body Meeting of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). He noted that modern productivity must also focus on innovation, resilience, sustainability and inclusive economic development.
Speaking at the high-level gathering, Goyal underlined the policy reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, describing them as key drivers of India’s economic transformation and competitiveness on the global stage.
India Showcases Major Reform Initiatives
During his address, the minister highlighted several flagship programmes that have reshaped India’s industrial and digital landscape. These included Make In India, Startup India, Skill India, the Production Linked Incentive schemes, PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy.
He also referred to India’s digital public infrastructure, including UPI, Aadhaar and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), as examples of technology-led governance aimed at increasing productivity and expanding access to economic opportunities.
Goyal said India remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation through the APO while encouraging sustainable and future-ready economic growth across Asia-Pacific economies.
Delegates From Member Economies Attend Session
The governing body meeting brought together senior officials, policymakers, productivity specialists and representatives from member economies of the APO. Heads of National Productivity Organizations from different countries participated in discussions focused on improving productivity frameworks and supporting long-term economic development.
Officials at the event discussed ways to promote innovation, strengthen institutional partnerships and encourage knowledge-sharing among member nations.
Focus on MSMEs and Sustainable Growth
Neerja Sekhar, Director General of the National Productivity Council (NPC) India, highlighted the organisation’s efforts toward digital transformation and green productivity. She said the council is working to improve competitiveness among micro, small and medium enterprises by promoting skill development, technology adoption and measurable productivity outcomes.
According to Sekhar, the emphasis on sustainability and resilience is becoming increasingly important for businesses operating in a rapidly evolving global economy. She added that productivity enhancement must support both economic expansion and environmental responsibility.
Recognition for Productivity Excellence
Former NITI Aayog member Dr VK Saraswat also addressed the gathering and stressed the importance of recognising individuals and experts contributing to productivity improvement across sectors.
As Chair of the APO National Award Search-cum-Selection Committee, Saraswat said acknowledging technical expertise and institutional leadership encourages innovation and motivates organisations to adopt better productivity practices.
During the event, Piyush Goyal presented APO National Award certificates to selected recipients. The awardees briefly spoke about the importance of innovation, institutional efficiency and continuous improvement in achieving sustainable economic progress.
Leadership Changes Announced at APO
The meeting also marked important leadership transitions within the Asian Productivity Organization. Professor Anwar Sanusi, APO Director for Indonesia, formally assumed the role of APO Chair for the 2026–27 term. He succeeded India’s APO Director Amardeep Singh Bhatia.
In addition, the Acting APO Director for Iran and the Acting APO Director for Japan took charge as the organisation’s First Vice Chair and Second Vice Chair respectively, according to information released by the Commerce Ministry.
About the Asian Productivity Organization
The Asian Productivity Organization is an intergovernmental body focused on improving productivity and supporting sustainable socioeconomic development across the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation works through policy collaboration, technical cooperation and knowledge-sharing among its member economies.
Established in 1961, the APO currently includes 21 member economies and continues to play a significant role in promoting productivity-led development across the region.