TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach - 20 January 2021 - The Tokyo-based Asian ProductivityOrganization (APO) commences its Diamond Jubilee through a virtual launch on 21 January 2021, 14:00 Japan Time.

(Click here for theceremony.)

The launch marks the beginning of a year-long tribute to the 60-yearproductivity journey in Asia, showcasing productivity as a key enabler for the Asia-Pacificregion, past, present, and future.

Ministers/senior officials from Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Pakistan are to convey congratulatory messages during the ceremony. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh, Vietnam, the country currently assuming the chairmanship of the APO, will salute the organization while emphasizing the power of digital technology and digital learning.

Remarks by Assistant Minister Atsushi Ueno, Ministry of Foreign Affairsof Japan, the host country of the APO Secretariat, will acknowledge the APO asone of the strongest bonds between Japan and the Asia-Pacific region,describing that network among members as a "precious asset" for Japan.

The launch will alsofeature insights and reminiscences from seasoned productivity champions. Fiji'sMinister for Infrastructure andMeteorological Services and Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Jone Usamate, who served for more than 10years as the country's leading productivity authority, will describe thetremendous impact of the APO, especially the concept of Green Productivity combiningproductivity enhancement with sustainability and resilience.

The launch will formally activate the APO Vision 2025, the aspirationalstrategic directions to achieve inclusive, innovation-led productivity growth overthe next five years.

Reflecting on the occasion, APO Secretary-General AKP Mochtan conveysthat longevity is a blessing, but the relevance and achievements so far are notto be taken for granted. He is confident that the long history accords the APOthe wisdom and foresights to forge ahead to a more productive future.   

About The APO

The APO is anintergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in Asia andthe Pacific. Established in 1961, the APO contributes to the sustainablesocioeconomic development of the region through policy advisory services,institutional capacity-building efforts, sharing of productivity bestpractices, and dissemination of productivity data and analyses.