APO Brochure

APO Brochure 2010 Edition

Productivity and Innovation: A Path to Sustainable Growth

For approximately 50 years, the APO has tirelessly applied productivity enhancement methods to promote the socioeconomic development and growth of the Asia-Pacific region. In 1961, the leaders of eight Asian nations, acting together in the spirit of mutual cooperation, gave birth to the organization.

Those leaders were united in the belief that higher productivity was the key to a better tomorrow. Although the world has undergone many cycles of crises and challenges since, the APO remains committed to the ideals of its founders. The APO has overcome each challenge and steadfastly dedicated itself to improving its capabilities continuously while expanding to include new members, which currently number 20. The organization has enhanced the scale and scope of its programs to meet the needs of individual and groups of members.

As the sole international organization devoted to productivity, the organization acts as a catalyst for the productivity movement by developing human resources. The APO also provides a forum to bring leaders and policymakers from industry, government, and academia together to exchange views on common problems and determine how to address them.

Additionally, it conducts research to identify emerging issues in members and then identifies or develops the necessary productivity tools to ensure national competitiveness in the industry, service, and agriculture sectors. While it is difficult to predict what the world will be like in another half-century, the APO will continue to support nations and individuals striving for a brighter future in a better, more sustainable tomorrow. The APO will remain firm in its belief that mutual cooperation and knowledge exchange offer the promise of progress and prosperity to all involved. It will always be in the forefront of innovation so that members can reach new heights of productivity and competitiveness.