A delegation from the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Cameroon, paid a visit to the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Secretariat on 2 July as part of ongoing efforts to enhance international collaboration and learn about the productivity movement in Asia, particularly the role of National Productivity Organizations in APO member economies. The visit to the Secretariat was part of the agenda for delegates from Cameroon attending the program on Kaizen and Strengthening SME Competitiveness conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata (R) with Secretary General Tchana Joseph, Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Cameroon.

The delegation, led by Secretary General Tchana Joseph, Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, included senior officials from various government agencies and representatives from Association for Consultants. During the visit, the delegation participated in discussions with APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata and other senior staff members. “We are honored to welcome the Cameroonian delegation to our Secretariat,” said Secretary-General Dr. Indra. “This visit marks an important step in our efforts to promote productivity to all, including nonmembers.”

The delegation also had the opportunity to participate in an interactive session showcasing the APO’s various programs for member economies. That session provided insights on APO activities that could be benchmarked against and adapted in Cameroon.

Secretary General Joseph expressed gratitude for the warm reception and informative sessions. “We have learned a great deal from our visit to the APO Secretariat. The knowledge and experiences shared by the APO will undoubtedly help us in our efforts to improve productivity and drive sustainable development in Cameroon.”

The visit concluded with a commitment from both sides to explore further avenues for collaboration in the areas of productivity enhancement and SME development.

Delegation from the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Cameroon, with APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata (front row center), JICA consultants, and APO Secretariat staff.