H.E. Umid Abidkhadjaev, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, (L) and APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata (R).

APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata participated in the International and Regional Forum on Central Asia: From Productivity to Prosperity—A Regional Dialogue held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 25–26 March 2026.

The forum brought together senior government officials, international organizations, development partners, and national productivity organizations to explore pathways for translating productivity gains into tangible prosperity across Central Asia. On the sidelines of the event, the Secretary-General held bilateral discussions with H.E. Umid Abidkhadjaev, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss potential areas of collaboration between the APO and the Government of Uzbekistan.

The forum featured Opening Remarks by Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Umid Abidkhadjaev and Welcoming Remarks delivered on behalf of the President of Uzbekistan by Dr. Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (CERR). The event also saw active participation from key development partners, including the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, alongside representatives from Central Asian countries engaged in regional dialogue on productivity-driven economic transformation.

APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata speaking at the regional forum.

 

Discussions during the forum focused on critical themes, including the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing productivity, human capital development, and agroindustrial transformation to strengthen food security. The sessions underscored the importance of integrating innovation, policy reform, and regional cooperation to achieve sustainable economic growth.

In his keynote address, APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra emphasized that productivity should be viewed as a means to achieving prosperity rather than an end in itself. He highlighted that the ultimate goal of productivity growth is to improve livelihoods, well-being, and human dignity. Noting the strong potential of Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, he stressed the importance of ensuring that productivity gains translate into inclusive, tangible economic benefits for citizens.

Looking ahead, the Secretary-General outlined key areas for future cooperation with Uzbekistan. In the field of AI and enterprise transformation, the APO will support the deployment of tailored AI solutions through its Genuine AI Action (GAIA) platform to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and job creation. In agriculture, the APO will advance AI-enabled applications under the Green Productivity 2.0 framework to improve yields, resource efficiency, and resilience among farming communities.

Secretaru-General Dr. Indra also reaffirmed the APO’s commitment to strengthening regional engagement by inviting Uzbekistan and other Central Asian economies to participate in APO governance mechanisms, including the 68th Session of the APO Governing Body to be held in New Delhi, India, 20–22 May 2026. This engagement is expected to serve as a pathway toward deeper cooperation and potential APO membership.

Through these initiatives, the APO aims to support Central Asian economies in translating productivity gains into meaningful improvements in people’s lives, contributing to a more inclusive, prosperous future for the region.