The 6th Meeting of the Task Force to Review the APO Membership Contribution Formula was held virtually on 2 April. Prior to the meeting, a new task force had been established based on the decision of the 65th Session of APO Governing Body (GBM) in May 2023. Led by APO Chair and APO Director for the ROC Sheng-Hsiung Hsu, members from Cambodia, Fiji, India, Japan, the ROK, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkiye, and APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata engaged in critical discussions.

Secretary-General Dr. Indra expressed gratitude for the ongoing commitment of task force members and underscored the meeting’s aim to harmonize the membership contribution formula with the organization’s and members’ evolving needs with a spirit of cooperation. Outgoing Chair Phork Sovanrith reflected on past accomplishments and challenges, while incoming Chair Sheng-Hsiung Hsu emphasized the importance of collective effort in refining the contribution formula.

The task force engaged in productive discussions, with members suggesting various approaches. A consensus on preliminary recommendations was achieved, with a commitment to further analysis and deliberation. Task Force Chair Sheng-Hsiung Hsu concluded the session by thanking participants for their insightful contributions and stressing the importance of continued cooperation among APO members to reach an amicable conclusion on the membership contribution formula, reflecting the APO’s commitment to fostering mutual prosperity among its members.

Task Force Chair Sheng-Hsiung Hsu (top row, 2nd L), task force members from Cambodia, Pakistan, the ROK, Thailand, Japan, India, Turkiye, and Fiji with APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra (top row, 3rd L), and Secretariat representatives.