New delhi: The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) convened its 68th Governing Body Meeting (GBM) in New Delhi, India, from May 20 to 22, as member economies discussed implementation of APO Vision 2030 and the organisation's Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) framework.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the meeting was attended by 63 delegates from 19 APO member economies, alongside observers from Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and several international organisations. The session also marked the transition of the APO chairmanship from India to Indonesia, with Prof Anwar Sanusi assuming the role of APO chair for the 2026-27 term.

India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, who attended as guest of honour, highlighted productivity as a driver of innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth amid global economic and technological changes. Discussions during the meeting covered governance and financial matters, including annual reports, budget planning for the 2027-28 biennium, audit and compliance issues, nonmember participation and APO awards programme.

The meeting also featured the introduction of the APO's Genuine AI Action (GAIA) initiative, which aims to promote the use of artificial intelligence applications to improve productivity across member economies. The APO said the meeting concluded with renewed commitment among member economies to strengthen regional cooperation and advance productivity-led sustainable and inclusive development across Asia and the Pacific.