The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) was established on 11 May 1961 as a regional intergovernmental organization.The APO is nonpolitical, nonprofit, and nondiscriminatory.

Five Key Roles of the APO

1. Think tank: The APO conducts research on emerging needs of members for their follow-up and for determining appropriate assistance to them.
2. Catalyst: The APO promotes bilateral and multilateral alliances among members and between them and others outside the APO region for collaboration in productivity-related activities for mutual benefit.
3. Regional Adviser: The APO surveys the economic and development policies and performance of each member and assists in formulating strategic changes for enhanced productivity and competitiveness.
4. Institution Builder: The APO strengthens the capability of the National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) and other institutions to provide productivity promotion, training, and consultancy services to the public and private sectors.
5. Clearinghouse for productivity information: The APO facilitates the dissemination and exchange of information on productivity among its members and other stakeholders.

Established in 1961 as a regional intergovernmental organization, the APO contributes to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the Asia–Pacific through productivity enhancement.