52nd Governing Body Meeting in Malaysia
20−22 April 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Closing Statement
by Shigeo Takenaka
APO Secretary-General
Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished Directors,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Our discussion this time was livelier than usual, especially when the Directors deliberated on the total membership contributions for 2011 and 2012. The issue was not so much the requested increase proposed by the Secretariat, but the apportionment of that total amount to member countries following the new ratios derived from their respective GNIs in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Many countries increased their membership contributions by 20% to 30%, and some had a more than 40% increase.
In 2008, when we applied the current formula for the first time at the Tehran GBM, a similar situation occurred. At that time, one country had to increase its membership contribution by as much as 50%. However, even those countries that had had difficulties agreed to accept the increase before the Preparatory Meeting convened. The difference may be attributable to the financial crisis occurring between the two GBMs.
To gauge the reactions of member countries to possible changes in the amounts of contribution for this year, I felt it necessary to meet all the heads of delegations prior to the Preparatory Meeting. From this exercise, I learned the difficulties that the increases would bring to the respective countries. Against this background, it is heartening that we could come to a decision on the amount of the total membership contributions at this session. We also take comfort in knowing that we will undertake a review of the current membership contribution formula by a task force and on a timetable to be decided by the Secretary-General.
I truly appreciate the cooperation of all member countries in arriving at this conclusion. It is inevitable for any organization that continues for a long time to encounter some difficulties at one time or another. The difficulty we faced in this session was certainly one of them. We may have more in the future. But, if the APO remains relevant to the needs of the member countries and if the cooperative spirit that has been displayed in this GBM is maintained, I am confident that our organization will be able to overcome any difficulty.
At this session, the Directors also endorsed the Secretariat’s proposal on cost reductions. It was with a very heavy heart that I submitted the proposal that will entail drastic salary cuts for all Secretariat staff members, including the incoming Secretary-General. As I stated in my report, I firmly believe that the staff members are the most important asset of the organization. Retaining competent professional staff is therefore essential for the Secretariat. Although as an emergency measure the deep cuts are unavoidable at this time, for the long-term sustainability of the organization we need to revise the situation sometime in the future. I felt truly gratified that the Directors agreed with my view and suggested reviewing the measures within two years. The Governing Body’s directive on this matter will certainly be encouraging for all Secretariat staff members.
The presentations by the Directors offered inspiring food for thought. The Secretariat will study these valuable inputs carefully in order to translate them into practical programs and activities. At this juncture, I would like to shed light on one underlying principle that has guided our project planning and implementation.
With regard to the cost-effectiveness of our projects, the Secretariat maintains a broader interpretation of cost-effectiveness rather than narrowly looking at the price tag of a project alone. More specifically, we attach importance to the impact that a particular project creates and include this factor in our criteria for cost-effectiveness. Taking e-learning projects as an example, not only can they train much greater numbers of participants, they also accord the participants the opportunity to learn without making long overseas trips. In fact, all the World Bank-based e-learning courses received high ratings from the participants and have consistently been evaluated higher than the average face-to-face project. These courses are also characterized by a high percentage, well over 50%, of private-sector participation. This again is much higher than the average face-to-face project. e-Learning thus gives us quantitative as well as qualitative advantages. We therefore actively promote e-learning projects among member countries.
Of course, this does not prevent us from reviewing the cost incurred for e-learning courses and we are currently undertaking negotiations with the World Bank to reduce that cost. We are also keeping open the option to use alternate platforms where available. The coming Workshop Meeting of the Heads of NPOs will give us a timely opportunity to look into cost-effectiveness more deeply, and the Secretariat looks forward to further discussion on this matter and other matters raised during this session in October this year.
Ladies and gentlemen, before closing allow me to convey my heartfelt gratitude for the support and cooperation that have been so readily extended by member countries during my six-year tenure as Secretary-General. I had the opportunity to meet the heads of state of some member countries, ministers, and also prominent luminaries from the private sector and academia. These interactions convinced me of the importance of our mandate to champion and spearhead the productivity movement across and beyond the region. We must keep the productivity flame alive. I count on the Directors to provide the same support to the next torch-bearer, Mr. Ryuichiro Yamazaki.
I would like to convey my special thanks to the host country Malaysia. These are not just ordinary words of thanks for the warm hospitality in hosting the current GBM. Malaysia’s generosity transcends this. Including the current meeting, this is the second time that Malaysia bailed out the Secretariat in hosting important meetings during my tenure. I recall the first one in 2006, when we suddenly had to move the WSM from its original venue as the designated host country was unfortunately struck by a massive natural calamity. I therefore would like you to join me in giving a great round of applause for the help that Malaysia has consistently provided us.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, the Minister of International Trade and Industry, who graced our meeting with his presence and with his insightful presentation. The same goes to Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Azman Hashim, the APO Director for Malaysia, who made time to be with us despite his hectic schedule and offered us elegant dining with beautiful Malaysian dances and songs at the Seri Melayu.
I must also thank outgoing Acting APO Chair Kazuo Sunaga, the APO Alternate Director for Japan, the incumbent APO Chair Dr. Dong-Kyu Choi, the APO Director for the Republic of Korea, and First Vice-Chair Mr. Somdy Inmyxai, the APO Director for Lao PDR, for their leadership during this session. The Director-General of the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, Mr. Mohd. Razali Hussain, and his troops of cheerful, ever-smiling staff members deserve special thanks for their untiring work to ensure smooth preparations and logistics to support our meeting. My thanks go to also the APO Secretariat staff members who have worked to see that the necessary preparations were done well and in time for this meeting.
Once again I thank all member countries for their steadfast support for the APO and wish all Directors, advisers, and observers a safe, pleasant journey back home.
Thank you.
