Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata (center) and APO staff welcome Professor Bambang Brodjonegoro (third from right) and other ADBI economists to the Secretariat.

On 17 April 2025, Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata welcomed Professor Bambang Brodjonegoro, the newly appointed Dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Tokyo, along with ADBI economists, for a courtesy visit to the APO Secretariat.

The meeting marked a promising exchange of ideas centered on forging strategic collaboration to enhance productivity across Asia. A particular focus was placed on addressing the persistent challenge of the middle-income trap, which is an especially pressing concern in South Asia and Southeast Asia, where growth remains sluggish and productivity gains limited.

Professor Brodjonegoro underscored the urgent need for innovative, context-specific solutions to help countries overcome this economic impasse. He stressed that tailored policies and forward-looking strategies will be essential in breaking through structural barriers and unlocking new growth pathways.

The dialogue identified several key areas for potential collaboration, including policy consultancy, capacity building, and research targeting productivity enhancement. Emphasis was placed on the transformative role of digitalization and artificial intelligence, as well as productivity improvements in pivotal sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. Green Productivity also emerged as a shared priority, with cleaner energy adoption and electricity management cited as critical levers for achieving sustainable, long-term development.

The meeting concluded on a high note, with Secretary-General Dr. Indra and Professor Brodjonegoro reaffirming their mutual commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation, paving the way for impactful joint initiatives in the near future.

APO staff and visitors from the ADBI discuss future strategic collaborations to enhance productivity.