India will host the 68th Session of the Governing Body of the Asian Productivity Organization from May 20 to 22, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event is being organised by the Government of India in its capacity as Chair of the APO and will witness participation from over 60 senior delegates representing 20 member economies.
The inaugural session on May 21 will be attended by Piyush Goyal along with APO Directors, Advisors, diplomatic representatives of member economies, and invited delegates. Observers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Bhutan, and the Global Green Growth Institute are also expected to participate.
The three-day meeting will focus on discussions related to the APO Vision 2030 framework, the organisation’s proposed budget for the 2027–28 biennium, and the review of procedures for the election of the APO Secretary-General.
Key agenda items include the formal inauguration of the Governing Body Meeting, election of the APO Chair and Vice Chairs for 2026–27, adoption of annual and financial reports, discussions on institutional reforms, and review of progress under APO Vision 2030.
During the inaugural session, awards under the APO National Awards Programme will also be presented in categories recognising productivity advocates and technical experts for their contribution towards promoting productivity-driven initiatives across member economies.
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), had assumed the chairmanship of the APO Governing Body during its 67th session held in May 2025, where India announced its decision to host the 68th session.
Established in 1961, the APO is an intergovernmental organisation comprising 21 member economies from the Asia-Pacific region and works towards enhancing productivity and sustainable socio-economic development through cooperation, policy dialogue, technical support, and knowledge sharing.
The event is also expected to provide opportunities for bilateral and multilateral engagements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, innovation, and productivity-led growth.