The National Training and Productivity Centre of Fiji National University collaborated with the APO Secretariat to organize an online workshop on Transformation of the Informal Economy from 17 to 19 March. The objectives were to understand the scale, impact, and challenges of the informal economy, learn about effective approaches and policies for addressing this economy, and explore digital technology applications to transform it.

Forty-three participants from 15 APO members attended this workshop along with three resource persons from India, Singapore, and South Africa. During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to gain a basic understanding of the informal economy and to delve into how government policies and initiatives in collaboration with relevant stakeholders have supported workers and enterprises in the informal sector. Case studies of India, Singapore, and South Africa showcased different approaches to transforming the informal economy, enriching participants’ understanding.