51st APO Governing Body Meeting
20−22 April 2009, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Opening Address
By Dr. Mohmood Ghanizadeh
Acting APO Chair and
Alternate APO Director for Islamic Republic of Iran
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake;
Minister Athauda Seneviratne;
Distinguished APO Directors;
APO Secretary-General Shigeo Takenaka;
Honored Guests, Advisers, and Observers;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of the Asian Productivity Organization and on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran as the current Chair of the APO, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this inaugural session of the 51st Governing Body. We are deeply honored to have with us this afternoon Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and other dignitaries from the host country. We are also very grateful to the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for hosting this important meeting in Colombo, the largest city and commercial capital of the nation.
The APO has constantly been adapting to changing times since its founding in 1961, but at no time in its history has the organization faced such tremendous challenges as now. Most of the major global economies are in deep recession. Exports from member countries are plunging due to weak demand worldwide, and new investments are choked by the global credit crunch. Retrenchment of overseas workers exacerbates these problems. Not only does it translate into lower remittances but also into grim job prospects for many workers at home.
In these crucial times, the APO should actively perform its catalytic role to propagate innovative ideas that will help enterprises market products and services needed in these austere times. It should also facilitate retooling of the retrenched labor force and upgrading the skills of those still employed for higher levels of efficiency and productivity. It should work with NPOs in member countries to push the productivity agenda vigorously. To achieve these, we may have to refocus and recalibrate our programs to give more attention to the most urgent and strategic needs of our member countries. It is my hope that the APO as an organization and we as its members will rise to meet these daunting challenges.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Later today, we will elect a new chair. It has been a great honor for the Islamic Republic of Iran to service as the APO Chair over the past year. In welcoming you to this meeting, I would also like to thank you for the honor and support you have given me. I urge you to provide your fullest support for the new Chair and to the Secretary-General in dealing with the many challenges that lie ahead.
I wish you a fruitful meeting and a memorable stay in Colombo.
Thank you.
