The Republic of Turkey officially expressed its intention to become a full member of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Dr. Faruk Özlü conveyed his government’s decision in an 8 December 2017 letter to Secretary-General Dr. Santhi Kanoktanaporn, which was delivered by Dr. Murat Mercan, Turkish Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Japan, during a visit to the APO Secretariat on 10 January 2018.

1. Secretary-General Santhi Kanoktanaporn (R) thanking Ambassador of Turkey to Japan Dr. Murat Mercan (2nd L) for communicating the message from Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Dr. Faruk Özlü on Turkey’s desire for accession to full APO membership, 10 January 2018.

Noting that his country had “closely followed the activities of the Asian Productivity Organization with great interest” and participated as an observer in Government Body Meetings and multiple projects, Minister Özlü’s letter continued: “We believe that the mission and activities of the APO correspond to the policies of the Republic of Turkey in the area of economic development and international cooperation.” The minister added, “We believe that the Republic of Turkey’s membership in the APO would bring about mutual benefits to all its member countries.”

In thanking Ambassador Mercan for delivering the official message from Minister Özlü, the APO Seceretary-General said that he strongly believed that membership would help Turkey strengthen its growing economy and that the decision indicated the country’s belief in the work being done by the APO to contribute to the sustainable socioeconomic development of member economies.

2. Ambassador Mercan (L) delivering the letter from Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Özlü to Secretary-General Kanoktanaporn at the APO Secretariat, 10 January 2018.

Members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific are also eligible for APO membership. After its establishment in 1961, the current APO membership comprises Bangladesh, Cambodia, Republic of China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.