From AI to MSMEs: India Pushes Productivity Agenda at Asian Summit, Unveils Vision 2030 Roadmap

The 68th Governing Body Meeting of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) concluded in New Delhi with India playing a central role in shaping the future productivity and development agenda of the Asia-Pacific region. The three-day summit, held at Bharat Mandapam from May 20 to 22, brought together senior government officials, policymakers, productivity experts and delegates from APO member economies.

Hosted by the National Productivity Council (NPC) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) , the meeting focused on strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating productivity-led growth through innovation, sustainability and digital transformation. The summit also reviewed the progress of the ambitious APO Vision 2030 roadmap , which aims to modernise institutions and improve economic competitiveness across member nations.

During the plenary sessions, delegates discussed several important issues, including governance reforms, institutional performance measures, financial reports, regional productivity initiatives and the APO’s proposed budget for 2027–28. Member economies also explored ways to improve collaboration in areas such as technology adoption, capacity building and sustainable industrial development.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal , who addressed the inaugural session, highlighted India’s rapid transformation through digital public infrastructure, logistics reforms, manufacturing growth and MSME empowerment. He underlined the importance of productivity-driven development and stronger regional partnerships in ensuring long-term economic resilience.

A key moment during the summit was the transition in APO leadership. Prof. Anwar Sanusi of Indonesia assumed charge as APO Chair for 2026–27, succeeding India’s Amardeep Singh Bhatia , Secretary, DPIIT. Representatives from Iran and Japan took over as the First and Second Vice Chairs respectively.

The meeting also showcased the APO’s growing emphasis on technology and artificial intelligence. Under the GAIA (Genuine AI Action) initiative, member economies discussed AI-driven productivity enhancement and modernisation of training systems under the broader Vision 2030 framework.

Delegates also attended cultural visits across Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb , the National Museum and the Buddha relic exhibition The Light and the Lotus . The successful hosting of the summit reinforced India’s expanding role in promoting regional cooperation, sustainable growth and institutional innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.