APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata paid a courtesy call on Advisor Teisuke Kitayama, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), at his office in SMBC Headquarters in Tokyo on 19 December.  Advisor Kitayama supported APO Green Productivity (GP)-related activities as the Chair of the GP Advisory Committee (GPAC), particularly to promote the concept of GP in the region through the Eco-products International Fairs (EPIFs) since 2008.

Secretary-General Dr. Indra extended appreciation for the long-term support of Advisor Kitayama by directly involving top executives in the Japanese private sector in the APO’s GP projects.  Advisor Kitayama explained that GP activities had become much closer to the actual operations of companies compared with 10 years ago as listed companies in the Japanese prime market are now required  to report their climate change related structure and strategies to cope with GHG emission reductions. Advisor Kitayama added that the change in mindset had taken place not only in Japan but also in other countries. The APO’s GP activities had therefore become more critical, and he hoped to witness progress in the revitalization of the GPAC since he saw the critical need for GP in the private sector.

Secretary-General Dr. Indra shared recent developments in the APO Accreditation and Certification Program by referring to the ongoing certification of GP Specialists in Indonesia. Advisor Kitayama and Secretary-General Dr. Indra also exchanged views on the status of productivity growth of Japanese SMEs in the service sector, while noting the policy advisory role of the APO in overall productivity enhancement.

Advisor Kitayama indicated the interest in and continued support of the SMBC for the APO’s GP and other activities. Secretary-General Dr. Indra concluded the meeting with appreciation for the encouragement and interest expressed by Advisor Kitayama.

Advisor Teisuke Kitayama (L) receiving APO publications from Secretary-General Dr. Indra during the briefing on the latest APO activities.