The 56th Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the APO opened in Hanoi on 15 April 2014. Fifty-two delegates comprising APO directors and their advisers from 19 members, along with observers from the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology of Turkey, JICA, and Pan African Productivity Association (PAPA) were in attendance.

Vice Minister of Science and Technology Tran Viet Thanh was the guest of honor at the event. In his keynote speech, he commented that, “For businesses, productivity, quality, and innovation are factors to help improve performance and competitive advantage in the domestic as well as international markets. I believe that the APO, which leads and coordinates activities to promote quality and productivity in the Asia-Pacific, will put forward innovative and appropriate strategies to support its members in a more effective way.”

APO Director for Vietnam Dr. Ngo Quy Viet delivered the welcome remarks. He stated that, “The APO is also an important bridge connecting members in the region as well as with other international organizations.” APO Chair Yamaaranz Erkhembayar expressed similar sentiments, adding, “In recent years, the Asia-Pacific member economies have shown great resilience in growing despite the global economic and financial crises that took place over several years. The year 2014 is expected to see strengthening economic growth for all APO member countries. As we endeavor to grow stronger and more competitive, productivity enhancement remains one of our top priorities. In order to achieve these targets, the APO therefore still has to continue making strong efforts to improve the productiveness and competitiveness of member countries.”

During the plenary session, APO Director for Nepal Krishna Gyawali was elected APO Chair for 2014–2015, with APO Alternate Director for Pakistan Arif Ibrahim (representing APO Director for Pakistan Shafqat Hussain Naghmi) and APO Director for the Philippines Margarita R. Songco assuming the position of First and Second Vice Chairs, respectively. Important GBM agenda items included the annual report of the Secretary-General, report on the revised APO membership contribution formula, and approval of the APO preliminary budget for the 2015–2016 biennium.

Photos courtesy of VPC.

56th Session of the APO Governing Body.